SDI Books: Recommendations for Cold War Effects

[flippy]

Has anyone read any exceptional books about the strategic defense initiative and its effects on the cold war? Not some same old theory book.

 

[fourier jr]

well I haven't read any books on that but here's a link to the US Air Force Space Command's "Strategic Master Plan FY04 and Beyond":
http://www.thememoryhole.org/mil/space-command-plan-fy2004.pdf

some samples:

"Space warfighting forces are our people, weapon systems and other capabilities that operate and employ space power in, from and through space. When fully and seamlessly integrated with other warfighting forces, space forces extend the reach, precision and intensity of U.S. military power and operations. Continuous deterrence and prompt global engagement ensures the ability to apply space forces when and where we need them and that our adversary understands the advantage we possesses from these forces. We will also provide space support to US warfighters as well as our Allies and ensure our space systems are integrated and usable by coalition forces. Control and exploitation of space implies that we can use our space capabilities at our discretion while at the same time denying our adversaries access to space assets at their disposal."

"A viable prompt global strike capability, whether nuclear or non-nuclear, will allow the US to rapidly strike high-payoff, difficult-to-defeat targets from stand-off ranges and produce the desired effect. This capability provides the US with the flexibility to employ innovative strategies to counter adversary anti-access and area denial strategies. Such a capability will provide warfighting commanders the ability to rapidly deny, delay, deceive, disrupt, destroy, exploit and neutralize targets in hours/minutes rather than weeks/days even when US and allied forces have a limited forward presence. Thus, prompt global strike space capabilities will provide the President and warfighting commanders with flexible options to deter or defeat most threats in a dynamic security environment."

 

[R0man]

I have not personally read any books specifically about the strategic defense initiative and its effects on the Cold War, but I have heard great things about "The Star Wars Enigma: Behind the Scenes of the Cold War Race for Missile Defense" by Norman Polmar and John Gresham. This book delves into the history and development of the SDI program, as well as its impact on the political and military landscape of the Cold War. It also includes interviews with key players involved in the program, providing a unique perspective on its effects. Another recommended read is "One Point Safe: The Launching of the Strategic Defense Initiative" by Andrew J. Pierre, which offers a detailed analysis of the political and technological challenges faced by the SDI program. Both of these books offer a deeper understanding of the strategic defense initiative and its role in shaping the Cold War.