Jimmy Carter's Arms Control Policy

Paper Summary:

This paper explains how the Carter administration attempted to halt Moscow?s advance through arms control however the agreements negotiated by the Carter administration left the US at a dangerous disadvantage by allowing the Soviets a first strike capability.

From the Paper:

"In March, 1977, Secretary of State Vance presented the administration's "comprehensive proposal" to Moscow. Carter's position included two proposals. One offered to restrict American cruise missiles to a 2500 miles in exchange for Soviet reductions in SS-18s from 308 to 150. The second proposal left both cruise missiles and SS-18s unrestricted. The Soviets rejected both proposals. This gave the US the chance to continue development of the cruise missile unabatedly, but did nothing to address the rising Soviet threat. The fear of future vulnerability led Carter to reinforce Western Europe, deploying 35,000 more troops, more equipment, ground launched cruise missiles (GLCMs), and Pershing II intermediate range ballistic missiles. "

More papers on Jimmy Carter's Arms Control Policy:

• Comparison Essay # 3625 : "American and Soviet Arms Control Policies"
• Research Paper # 101989 : "The Influence of Civic Engagement on Arms Control"
• Dissertation or Thesis # 97108 : "Jimmy Carter"

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