ABSTRACT
The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), ever since it was proclaimed by President Reagan in 1983, has deeply influenced the public debates on arms control, on East-West relations, on internal relations within the Western alliance, on industrial policy, on research policy. SDI is seen by the Soviet Union as an obstacle to progress in the start negotiations on a substantial reduction in the numbers of long-range missiles. Overall, there has been a tremendous amount of discussion about SDI, both in public and in professional circles, and in political negotiations. SDI is meant to make peace more secure. Whether SDI has the potential to do this or not, is not certain as yet. SDI would be very good for stability as long as both sides concede to each other that they are not planning a first strike but just want to buy insurance against being hit by a first strike.
