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File Name | S21-Policy-Stoa-29-NEG-ICBM-GBSD.docx |
File Size | 69.08 KB |
Date added | March 1, 2021 |
Category | Archived |
Tags | Debate, Policy, Season 21, Stoa |
Author | Vance Trefethen |
Summary: Affirmative cancels an existing plan the federal government has to upgrade Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs – land-based missiles that fire nuclear bombs a long distance around the globe to a foreign target). The current ICBM missiles are known as “Minuteman 3,” and they are considered obsolete by the Pentagon and in need of replacement with newer technology. The new replacement is called “GBSD” (Ground Based Strategic Deterrent). The case argues that the cost is excessive and wasteful and that the upgrades are destabilizing to foreign relations (presumably with Russia?). US nuclear weapons policy relies on ICBMs, bomber aircraft and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) as delivery vehicles for our nuclear weapons, a strategy known as the “nuclear triad.” Negative will argue that canceling the land-based ICBM upgrade will weaken or destroy the land component of the triad and therefore present unacceptable risks to US national security.