Regional Missile Defense from a Global Perspective - by Catherine McArdle Kelleher & Peter Dombrowski (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Regional Missile Defense from a Global Perspective explains the origins, evolution, and implications of the regional approach to missile defense that has emerged since the presidency of George H. W. Bush, and has culminated with the missile defense decisions of President Barack Obama. The Obama administration's overarching concept for American missile defense focuses on developing both a national system of limited ground-based defenses, located in Alaska and California, intended to counter limited intercontinental threats, and regionally-based missile defenses consisting of mobile ground-based technologies like the Patriot PAC-3 system, and sea-based Aegis-equipped destroyer and cruisers.

The volume is intended to stimulate renewed debates in strategic studies and public policy circles over the contribution of regional and national missile defense to global security. Written from a range of perspectives by practitioners and academics, the book provides a rich source for understanding the technologies, history, diplomacy, and strategic implications of the gradual evolution of American missile defense plans. Experts and non-experts alike--whether needing to examine the offense-defense tradeoffs anew, to engage with a policy update, or to better understand the debate as it relates to a country or region--will find this book invaluable. While it opens the door to the debates, however, it does not find or offer easy solutions--because they do not exist.

Review Quotes

"The book provides an excellent review of missile defense that should be required reading for policymakers grappling with nuclear deterrence, proliferation, and missile defense. A policymaker should take the analysis in the book to shape policy countering regional threats, while also keeping capabilities below a threshold that does not drastically reduce nuclear deterrence."--Jeremiah Burgess, H-War

"Regional Missile Defense from a Global Perspective is a must-read for legislators, foreign policy experts, and academics interested in missile defense public policy. Top experts provide analysis of the different levels of international ally and adversary military investment and integration, address the challenges posed by missile defense technical sophistication, and explain the geopolitical dynamics of nuclear and non-nuclear powers using missile defense to blur the lines between defensive and offensive systems."--Hon. Ellen Tauscher, Chairman, Strategic Forces Subcommittee of HASC, and former Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security

"Kelleher and Dombrowski have produced a serious and significant accounting of the debate, drawing on top-flight experts from around the world and across the political spectrum. They effectively highlight the unique role of regional missile defense in tackling missile proliferation."--Rose Gottemoeller, Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security

"Regional ballistic missile defenses have spread to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia in response to the proliferation of theater-range ballistic missiles. This timely and thoughtful volume probes the political, strategic, and financial dimensions of regional missile defense and highlights the unique circumstances and implications of their deployment in different regions of the globe. It should be of great interest to academics and policy makers interested in regional strategic dynamics."--Dean Wilkening, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA

"Regional missile defense is a critical element of strategic stability in an increasingly fragmented global order. During this time of heightened risk of conflict, the United States must continue to pursue regional missile defense for its own security. This book is a must-read for policy makers wishing to understand the role of missile defense in a new strategic age."--Stephen J. Hadley, National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush, 2005-2009

About the Author

Catherine McArdle Kelleher is College Park Professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. Peter Dombrowski is Professor of Strategy in the Strategic Research Department at the U.S. Naval War College.