Against the ABM

Viewing the ABM in the context of the dynamics of the arms race, Rathjens concludes that our deployment of it at this time may be premature and provocative. It will stimulate the Soviet Union to respond, he thinks, both offensively and defensively, just as they- and we-have responded in the past to real or imagined threats. And we will again respond to their real or anticipated response. He argues that the endlessly squandered resources of a runaway arms race will buy neither nation the security it seeks, and in our case, at least, could better be used to ameliorate threats to our society arising from problems at home. Rathjens' remedy? An arms freeze, and negotiations now, while our strategic posture is stronger than it is likely to remain should the arms race continue, and while the Russians may be willing to talk seriously for the first time from a position that approaches parity with us, rather than from a sense of inferiority that may have kept them from the conference table until now.