A clear and lively account of the space-weapons issue. The authors examine all aspects of the Strategic Defense Initiative proposaloits historical background, current and forthcoming technologies, and international political implications. The book is divided into three main sections. The first part describes the historical development of space-weapons technology from the 1920s to the present day. The second part provides a detailed technical assessment of the anti-missile systems being pursued as part of the Strategic Defense Initiative. It also considers the countermeasures to SDI that are currently in existence or are being developed by the United States and the Soviet Union. The third part examines the international political and strategic implications of SDI and their probable consequences for arms-control policies.