A talk on ‘Ballistic Missile Defence System and East Asia’ was organised by the Centre for East Asian Studies on 4 February 2008. Dr Subrata Ghoshroy delivered a precise and focused presentation. Dr Roy regarded the deployment of Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) as a global issue rather than a regional issue. The talk focused on three broad themes. These themes reflected the concerns and debates in the United States regarding the deployment of BMD. The first theme focused on the effectiveness of Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty and its contribution to ‘strategic stability’. Remarks were made on the significance of the ABM treaty in restricting various space-based weapons programmes and defensive technologies and the acceleration of such since its demise. 

The second theme focused on the impact of post-Cold War and the events following 11 September 2001 in expediting the pursuit of missile defence. The responses from countries such as Russia and China to the ballistic missile defence programme were also recounted. The emphasis was on the Chinese reactions as it is significant for world stability.

The third theme was a detailed explanation of the technical challenges facing BMD. The speaker elaborated on the technological complexities and challenges that BMD bore since its inception as Strategic Defence Initiative. Students were also encouraged to gain adequate knowledge about policy level research.

As the floor was opened to discussion, the importance of locating the issue in the global context and discerning the politics of missile defence deployment came to the fore.