ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the historic development of ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems. Their interpretation of its costs and benefits suggests reasons why state policy makers might wish to re-consider BMD development. This discussion details the policy debate during various periods of the Cold War as military technology improved and strategic thinking on the meaning of nuclear arsenals developed. Of particular importance, this discussion focuses on the re-emergence of the BMD debate in the post-Cold War. The chapter analyzes the issue from the position of the 'cautious paranoid'. A discussion on a political constructivist interpretation of the BMD debate, offers compelling answers to why state policy makers have forged ahead with BMD plans in spite of realists' concerns. Finally, in an attempt to be more policy relevant than previous constructivist studies, balancing realism and political constructivism demonstrates that alternative strategies for enhancing national security might evolve from the (policy-oriented) realist critique of BMD and the ideational considerations of political constructivists.
