The European Dimension: Comparisons and Contrasts with Asia

Abstract

Once President Reagan had announced his intention to seek a defence against ballistic missiles, the first specific theatre on which analysts began to speculate was Europe. Indeed, in the March speech, Reagan referred to the protection of the United States and its allies with a missile defence, and by this he meant primarily NATO. Issues involved in proposals of missile defence for NATO are similar to those involved in debates over Asia, and where differences exist, they illustrate important aspects of the debate. This chapter will provide a short summary of the SDI issues affecting Europe, including a discussion of extended deterrence and a review of the ATBM debate, and will examine similarities and distinctions between the European and Asian-Pacific theatres.