Peacekeeper: a Case Study of Strategic Debate

This thesis is an examination of the strategic debate surrounding the development and deployment of the U.S. Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Included is historical background information on the development of ICBMs, the emergence of Mutual Assured Destruction doctrine, the modification of that doctrine, and the changing requirements for ICBMs. The main sections are an examination of the major decisions for development and deployment made by the Carter and Reagan Administrations for both ICBMs and their basing mode. The examination of these decisions illuminate the range of options for U.S. nuclear deployments and the nuclear strategy of the United States. This examination reveals that U.S. strategy and planning policies, and consequently have lacked a sufficiently full appreciation of strategy and defense as more than deterrence.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

1992

Author dc:creator

• Cloonan, Kevin A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rood Harold

• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Kevin A Cloonan

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/333

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1334