Strategic Defense And The American Ethos

Michael Vlahos is codirector of the Security Studies Program at The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is also a research professor of security studies at SAIS and staff consultant to The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. His previous books include The Blue Sword: The Naval War College and the American Mission, 1919-1941 (1981) and America: Images of Empire (1982).

• Introduction -- Past -- American Ethos and National Security -- The SDI Debate as a Legacy of American Traditions -- The Challenge to Nuclear Deterrence -- What Was to Be Done? -- The Return of BMD -- A President's Vision -- Future -- To a Defended World? -- Arming the Heavens -- The Transition -- After the Fact -- Conclusion