Hypersonic Weapons, Deterrence, and the Acquisition Debate

Explore a thought-provoking lecture on hypersonic weapons and their strategic implications in this 28-minute talk by Dr. Carrie A. Lee. Delve into the current debates surrounding hypersonic missile acquisition and arms control initiatives in the United States. Examine why concerns about a hypersonic gap may be misplaced and reflect a misunderstanding of the strategic trade-offs and benefits associated with this technology. Analyze the shortcomings of proposed arms control solutions in addressing the specifics of hypersonic weapons and their impact on strategic stability. Learn about a theoretical framework for decision-making regarding new technology acquisition and arms control proposal development, using hypersonic weapons as a case study. Discover Dr. Lee's conclusions on U.S. policy regarding hypersonic missile technology acquisition, including its overstatement of immediate need, lack of strategies to discourage adversary development, and under-emphasis on nonproliferation efforts. Gain insights from Dr. Lee's expertise as an associate professor at the US Army War College, where she chairs the Department of National Security and Strategy and co-directs the Center on Civil-Military Relations.