The Changing Technological Environment
It is contended that ballistic missile & missile defense technological advancements & increased security needs have created interest among American policymakers to revise the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. The impact of the Rumsfeld Commission's findings on the threat that ballistic missiles pose to national security & the growth of North Korea's ballistic missile program on missile defense technology are considered. A comparison of missile defense technology in 1972 & 2000 demonstrates that the ABM Treaty has placed severe constraints on US security. Specific technological improvements to the sensors & radar systems that guide interceptor missiles as well as changes to US political motivations for implementing a national missile defense system are then discussed. The benefits of creating land- & sea-based & boost phase interceptor theater missile defense systems for US security are contemplated. The Clinton administration's failure to revise the ABM Treaty to allow for theater missile defense is also covered. It is concluded that the ABM Treaty must be modernized to remain a viable agreement. 2 Figures. J. W. Parker