ABSTRACT
Technology created survivable forces which were capable of riding out any attack, even by nuclear weapons, and retaliating in a second strike. The Antiballistic Missile Treaty reflected the agreement that there could be no winner in a nuclear conflict and that it was a dangerous illusion to believe that people could get round this reality. Major improvements are taking place in Soviet shorter range dual-capable systems; improvements are also under way in Soviet battlefield nuclear artillery. The strategic debate is focusing on new possibilities for active defence against the nuclear threat. The history of weapons development and the strategic balance shows only too clearly that research into new weapons and study of their strategic implications must go hand in hand. Equally important point is that a balance must always be maintained between United States and Soviet capabilities, in research as in other aspects.
