An intermediate-range ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead, known as the RSD-10 Pioneer, deployed by the Soviet Union from 1976 to 1988 and withdrawn from service under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. (Wikimedia Commons)
Stratfor: Farewell to an Arms Treaty: Analysis
Summary
A long-embattled arms control pact signed by Moscow and Washington in 1987 took its biggest hit yet this month. On Feb. 14, allegations emerged that the Russians had deployed operational units equipped with missiles that violate the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). In response, three U.S. senators introduced the INF Preservation Act, which among other measures calls for the United States to develop its own prohibited missiles. The precarious state of the treaty adds urgency to questions about the potential consequences of its demise, particularly since both countries have growing incentives to abandon the pact. Withdrawal by either Moscow or Washington would compel a rapid buildup of short- and medium-range missiles by both militaries, a surge of investment in missile defense, and a boost to U.S. capabilities in the Western Pacific.
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WNU Editor: The last thing that both the U.S. and Russia need right now is another nuclear arms race. Unfortunately .... if the above analysis is correct .... we may soon find ourselves in sucha race.
Won't this bankrupt Russia? People always think of Russia as this influential country, but aside from nukes and a strong propaganda machine it's a country with a GDP the size of Italy, rampant corruption, strong dependency on fossil fuel markets (not good) and a collapsing economy..on top the rich are leaving Russia ..An arms race is the last thing they can afford
ReplyDeleteA START treaty has never stopped the Russians before.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has blurred what missiles can do that the START treaties are not worth anything anyway.