National Missile Defence Restarts The Arms Race

The programme has been running since 2004, and will extend up to 2012. In 2007, the project’s budget reached 9 billion US dollars. By withdrawing from the ABM (Anti Ballistic Missile) Treaty that forbids the militarization of space, founded on the principle of mutually assured destruction, George W. Bush has restarted the whole terrible issue.

Whilst deciding on the new locations of the defence system within the US, Washington decided to extend protection to its friends and allies. This is a weapon suitable for attack, according to military analysts. They describe the system as not merely of use from a “defensive” point of view, but also as an “authorisation to act.” The missile defence system, as a consequence, serves to maintain the United States’ ability to exercise their power beyond their own borders. By planning to install an anti-missile defence system in central Europe, in particular in Poland (an early warning radar and interceptor missiles) and in the Czech Republic (a ground-based missile radar), the US’s declared intention is to defend itself from the possible threat of “rogue states” such as Iran. However, Washington is only reinforcing its strategic position within Europe, while keeping Russia and China at a respectful distance. Moscow reacted to these developments by rushing to modernise its own nuclear capacity. The consequences of this pre-emptive action could be beyond measure…