US Exceeds SALT II Arms Limitations in 1986

Name: US Exceeds SALT II Arms Limitations in 1986
Start: 1986-11-28
Location: Unspecified

The Significance of SALT II

Understanding SALT II

The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II) was a pivotal **arms control agreement** signed in 1979 between the United States and the Soviet Union. It aimed to curtail the arms race between the two superpowers by establishing limits on nuclear weapons and delivery systems. The treaty was particularly comprehensive, covering **intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)**, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers.

Context of SALT II

Despite its intentions, SALT II faced significant challenges, especially after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in late 1979, which led the United States to halt the treaty's ratification process. Nevertheless, both nations operated under the treaty's framework, even if it was not formally approved, resulting in some degree of bilateral restraint.

The 1986 Exceeding of SALT II Limitations

Reagan Administration's Departure from SALT II

By 1986, under President **Ronald Reagan's** administration, the United States began to exceed the limitations set by the SALT II treaty. This marked a significant turning point in U.S. arms control policy. The increase in arms was justified by Reagan’s administration on the grounds of national security and the perceived threat from the Soviet Union, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Consequences of Exceeding Limits

Exceeding the **SALT II** limits represented not only a breach of treaty obligations but also intensified global tensions. Critics of the Reagan administration argued that this step undermined years of negotiation efforts aimed at controlling nuclear arms escalation. It marked a time when the balance of power was increasingly at stake, and nations across the globe became more aware of the potential consequences of an unregulated arms race.

Fun Fact

Reagan's Strategy and the Arms Race

Interestingly, Reagan’s approach to **arms control** led to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), often referred to as "Star Wars," which aimed to develop a missile defense system to protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks. This further escalated tensions with the Soviet Union, illustrating how exceeding SALT II limits was just one component of a broader strategy.