components. The Treaty's overall objective is to prevent precisely what the "star wars" programme seeks to achieve, namely, the development of a large-scale anti-ballistic missile system. "Star wars", however, undermines not only the anti-ballistic missile Treaty, but the entire process of strategic-arms limitation and reduction. In the words of the Treaty, its signatories consider: JVM/11 A/C.l/40/PV.3 42 (Mr. Troyanovsky, USSR) "that effective measures to limit anti-ballistic missile systems would be a substantial factor in curbing the race in strategic offenSive arms and would lead to a decrease in the risk of outbreak of war involving nuclear weapons". It is clear that the consequences of the development of a ballistic-missile defence would be quite the reverse. This organic interrelationship exists objectively and is of an enduring nature. It will not disappear with the advent of new sophisticated space-weapon systems. The development and deployment in space of strike weapons by one side will require that the other side restore the equilibrium that would thereby be upset. This will inevitably lead to a quantitative increase and qualitative upgrading of strategic nuclear weapons and will dash the hopes of humanity for their limitation and reduction. It is in effect being frankly admitted today that one of the reasons for the reluctance of the United states to conduct talks on the prohibition of all nuclear-weapon tests is that nuclear tests may become necessary to develop "star wars" systems. With the militarization of outer space, an unconstrained arms race would spread in all directions. The pendulum of action and reaction would begin to swing with an ever-widening amplitude. The furnace of the arms race would devour additional collosal resources that otherwise could serve the cause of mankind's Peaceful development. Those resources are indispensable, both for the progress of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the consequences of the development and deployment of a ballistic-missile defense system, also known as "Star Wars", on the process of strategic-arms limitation and reduction. It highlights the potential for an unconstrained arms race, the waste of resources, and the risk of nuclear war. The text does not focus on any specific economic, social, or environmental issue, but rather on the international relations and security implications of such a system.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations