Many policy makers are concerned that current U.S. development
of strategic theatre ballistic missile defence systems could prove
a dangerous step towards a new global arms race, says Lloyd Axworthy,
director of the Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues at UBC.
Arms control is one of the subjects Russian President Vladimir
Putin discussed with Prime Minister Jean Chretien during his first
official visit to Canada this week. Senior Russian officials say
Putin is particularly interested in developing good relations with
Canada as a counterweight to the United States.
Putin’s visit is timely as Axworthy, the former Foreign Affairs
Minister, prepares to host policy consultations and a public forum
on nuclear security and the U.S. proposed National Missile Defense
(NMD) system.
The NMD operates when American ground-based interceptor missiles
target and destroy long-range missiles fired upon the United States
from “rogue” states. It is estimated that the system would cost
between $26 and $60 billion (US) to build. Preliminary tests of
the system have not proven its feasibility.
It has also been noted that the NMD threatens what is commonly
referred to “global balance of nuclear terror,” as it violates the
1972 Anti-Ballistic Treaty between Russia and United States. The
NMD system also threatens to impede the progress of the 2000 Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.
In the coming year, a new United States administration will decide
on whether to go ahead with the program. For its part, Canada must
decide if it wishes to participate in the NMD in some fashion.
The forum on nuclear security will be held in partnership with
the Simons Foundation at UBC Feb. 15-17. More details on the conference
will be available in the new year.
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