'This is the best book I have read this year; a clear, cogent and coherent account of the evolution of the SDI, chronologically and thematically arranged to cover all its aspects … invaluable … detailed and documented analysis … irresistible.' Defense Analysis

• List of tables; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. Conception: 1. Theory; 2. The history of strategic defence in the USA; 3. The 'SDI' speech; Part II. Construction: 1983–1985: 4. Contexts; 5. Interest groups; 6. The politics of influence; Part III. Consolidation: 1985–1988: 7. Contexts and constituencies; 8. Interest and influence; 9. Early deployment?; Part IV. Contexts and Conditions: 10. Europe; 11. Military economy; 12. The culture of 'Star Wars'; 13. The selling of SDI; Part V. Conclusions: 14. Into the 1990s; 15. The causes of SDI; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.

'This is the best book I have read this year; a clear, cogent and coherent account of the evolution of the SDI, chronologically and thematically arranged to cover all its aspects … invaluable … detailed and documented analysis … irresistible.' Defense Analysis

• List of tables; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. Conception: 1. Theory; 2. The history of strategic defence in the USA; 3. The 'SDI' speech; Part II. Construction: 1983–1985: 4. Contexts; 5. Interest groups; 6. The politics of influence; Part III. Consolidation: 1985–1988: 7. Contexts and constituencies; 8. Interest and influence; 9. Early deployment?; Part IV. Contexts and Conditions: 10. Europe; 11. Military economy; 12. The culture of 'Star Wars'; 13. The selling of SDI; Part V. Conclusions: 14. Into the 1990s; 15. The causes of SDI; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.

'This is the best book I have read this year; a clear, cogent and coherent account of the evolution of the SDI, chronologically and thematically arranged to cover all its aspects … invaluable … detailed and documented analysis … irresistible.' Defense Analysis

• List of tables; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. Conception: 1. Theory; 2. The history of strategic defence in the USA; 3. The 'SDI' speech; Part II. Construction: 1983–1985: 4. Contexts; 5. Interest groups; 6. The politics of influence; Part III. Consolidation: 1985–1988: 7. Contexts and constituencies; 8. Interest and influence; 9. Early deployment?; Part IV. Contexts and Conditions: 10. Europe; 11. Military economy; 12. The culture of 'Star Wars'; 13. The selling of SDI; Part V. Conclusions: 14. Into the 1990s; 15. The causes of SDI; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.