The Politics of Vulnerability

Rigorous policy analysis is needed to determine if fielding missile defense both national and theater level advances US national interests. The deployment of a National Missile Defense (NMD) system will provide the United States some measure of protection not currently enjoyed. However, the authors conclude that while the fielding of NMD does not irrevocably detract from the overall national interests of the United States, there exist potential pitfalls that, if not addressed, could result in harm to these interests. Further, the authors conclude that involving Taiwan in an integrated national security arrangement employing Theater Missile Defense (TMD) is not in the national interest of the United States. Background: The National Missile Defense Act of 1999 requires the President to deploy a national missile defense system as soon as technologically possible. Former President Clinton proposed four criteria when considering the fielding question: threat, cost, technical feasibility, and overall impact on US national security. The authors accepted these criteria and focused on the fourth criterion.overall impact on US national security interest.