ABSTRACT
The United States is faced with a series of imminent strategic force posture decisions. Complicating resolution of force planning issues are growing concerns about the adequacy of current U. S. strategic doctrine and persistent disagreements over alternative strategic policies. The most promising solution to the ICBM vulnerability problem appears to be a combination of rebasing and active defense. Active defense against ballistic missiles is a technically plausible option in the 1980s. The increased viability of strategic defenses and their improving cost-effectiveness calls into question existing strategic doctrine with its emphasis on offensive systems and deterrence via threat of retaliation. A potential answer to the problem of an uncertain strategic vision may be movement toward a more balanced offense-defense posture or even to a “defense-heavy” strategic posture and corresponding strategy based on assured survival.
