ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the bureaucratic politics framework. It suggests a number of cogent propositions and assumptions about decision making for major weapon programs. The history of MX is a paradox. On the one hand, the scope of the MX project is unique; it is the most expensive weapon project contemplated, most extensive in resource consumption, most cogent in strategic significance since nuclear weapons and intercontinental missiles, and most expansive in environmental and socioeconomic implications. The book analyzes in detail the character of the decision-making process for MX and compares it with the bureaucratic politics approach for procurement. It explores die relationships among foreign policy, arms limitation questions, and MX. The book concludes that for much of procurement decision making about weapons with characteristics, the bureaucratic politics approach no longer provides an adequate explanation.
