Think about the difference between Deterrence and Defense. By deterrence, I am
referring to the doctrine known as Mutual Assured Destruction. Thus, this is about the highest level of
strategic concerns about the world’s deadliest weapons. MAD relies on each side giving up the option of
defending itself against incoming nuclear missiles. Alternatively, proponents of Missile Defense argue that
deterrence is too risky and we must be able to defend ourselves against a nuclear attack. A controversial
example of missile defense was the Strategic Defense Initiative announced by President Reagan in 1983.
Using the following videos, respond:
Q1: Summarize President Reagan’s view of MAD and the prospects of overcoming this system of mutual
deterrence as expressed in this short commentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=pAxJUcr3Qfg&feature=emb_title
Using your textbook and this news report from 1983, respond:
The following video is about 30 minutes and I suggest you watch it all. However, to complete this
assignment, you need the first 15 minutes (actually about 13).
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=rAlDVrJkqVs&feature=emb_title)
Q2: Answer each of the following: What was SDI and why was it controversial? What was the Soviet
reaction, and why do you think they reacted as they did? What was the main reason opponents to SDI felt
the way they did? Also, do you think SDI made the Cold War worse, or did it contribute to the end of the
Cold War? Both? Explain
Sample Solution
