terms of how they can contribute to international security for the balance of this century and into the next. There are four main reasons why effective defences can bring about a safer world. First, preventing nuclear war must remain a fundamental goal. Survivable and effective strategic defences would strengthen deterrence and reduce the risk of war by significantly complicating the planning and execution of a first strike with strategic offensive forces. Second, as the United States and the Soviet Union reduce substantially their strategic offensive arms, advanced defences can play a growing role in insuring against the consequences of potential abrogation, break-out and cheating in connection with such reductions. Third, new threats are emerging against which effective non-nuclear defences can provide substantial protection. As more countries develop ballistic missiles, along with chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, threats to the international community will increase. Fourth, effective defences can provide protection against accidental or unauthorized launches of ballistic missiles. If such a catastrophic event were ever to occur, the value of defences in human lives saved would be incalculable. Taking into account these purposes and their relevance now, the United States is determined to preserve the option to develop and deploy effective^advanced, defences when they are ready, at a measured pace and in a co-operative way. This is our goal in the defence and space talks. It has been an honour to appear before the Conference on Disarmament today. I wish you the best for a successful conclusion of the spring session, and I hope to have the opportunity to address this body again in the future. The PRESIDENT ; I thank the representative of the United States of America for introducing the statements that we have just heard and for the 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of effective defenses in preventing nuclear war, reducing the risk of war, and providing protection against emerging threats. It also mentions the development and deployment of advanced defenses in a co-operative way. These points suggest that the category is related to national security, defense, and international relations.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology