Does Missile Defence undermine current deterrent effect?
Missile defence could reinforce the deterrent effect of our nuclear and conventional forces. Any regime contemplating the use of WMD-armed ballistic missiles would then face not only the near certainty of an overwhelming response, but also the probability that its attack would fail. This may not only deter potential aggressors from launching an attack, but might also dissuade them from embarking on the costly and difficult process of developing or procuring long-range ballistic missiles in the first place.
