ABSTRACT
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) has paralyzed arms control discussions, buffetted United States (US)-Allied relations, mobilized the Soviet military and propaganda apparatus, and jeopardized the already slim chances for improving bilateral relations between the superpowers. One aspect is the notion that since the US is technologically advanced it will somehow humble the Soviet Union in the race to develop SDI. The simplest and most immediate Soviet response to a high-tech SDI program may be a low-tech offense and mid-tech counter-measures. The one certain outcome is that neither side will permit the other to improve its relative strategic position over the long term. The Soviet Union will continue to view SDI as a threat to the very basis of the existing strategic relationship, and as a challenge to the technological "manhood" of the Soviet industrial establishment. Strategic defense relies heavily on computers and sensing technologies.
