Preventing Nuclear Use: Internationally-Controlled Theater Missile Defenses Among Non- Super-Arsenal States

Abstract

The current debates over missile defenses in the United States assume that the systems are meant to provide a defense for US territory, allies or troops abroad. This article proposes a different view with significant security potential. Specifically, theater missile defenses should be considered as an international tool to prevent nuclear weapons use among proliferated states by providing a confidence-building measure and slowing crises.