Defense against ballistic missiles from “rogue nations” is the controversial cornerstone of the president's emerging defense policy. The administration is not only developing a missile-defense system but also is inviting Russia to negotiate a “new strategic framework.” But critics say missile defense is too costly, technically unworkable and in violation of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which bars missile defenses and discourages nuclear proliferation. Still others complain that creating a missile defense system will open the door to putting weapons in outer space. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both parties say that the shrinking budget surplus may block funding of the $18 billion first phase of the president's missile defense system. Budget shortfalls may also undercut Bush's plans to modernize U.S. forces.

Mary H. Cooper specializes in environmental, energy and defense issues. Before joining CQ Researcher as a staff writer in 1983, she was a reporter and Washington correspondent for the Rome daily newspaper l'Unita. She is the author of The Business of Drugs (CQ Press, 1990). She also is a contract translator-interpreter for the U.S. State Department. Cooper graduated from Hollins College in English.