Senator Tom Cotton and Panel on Missile Defense

As Washington watches North Korea develop missile capabilities that endanger U.S. allies, U.S. military installations in East Asia, and soon U.S. territory, missile defense has assumed new prominence in America’s national security debates. Missile defense technologies promise protection from grave threats. Yet, there are also many questions, including whether missile defense deployments may spur other nations, such as Russia and China, to build more missiles or take other steps that might spark an arms race.

To tackle this important issue, the Center for the National Interest assembled a strong line-up of speakers with varied perspectives.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he chairs the Air Land Power Subcommittee. Following his presentation, two prominent experts provided contrasting points-of-view in a panel discussion:

– Joseph Cirincione, President of Ploughshares Fund, a global security foundation, previously served as Vice President for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress.

– Rebeccah Heinrichs, a Fellow at the Hudson Institute, has served as an adviser on national security affairs in the U.S. Congress and helped to launch the bi-partisan Missile Defense Caucus.

Center Director of Defense Studies Harry J. Kazianis moderated both sessions.