Nations often benefit technologically from the demonstration effect of the initial deployment of a weapon system. For example, the deployment of the technologically advanced H.M.S. Dreadnought battleship sparked a naval arms race as other nations rushed to compete.
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Not only is it possible that foreign know-how might overpower the United States in some key technology sector, but American know-how itself might work against the United States in a race for space superiority. Dr. Mueller cites nuclear history as an example of this. ( More ... ) Ziegler, David W. Safe Heavens: Military Strategy and Space Sanctuary Thought. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, June 1997. [ 9 quotes ]
It is important to understand that there is another, more likely "inevitability" involved if the United States pursues these capabilities, that is: other nations almost assuredly would, too. Although Russia and China have declared a moratorium on ASAT testing, it would be irresponsible for either state not to acquire their own deterrent to potential U.S. ASAT attacks. ( More ... ) Lewis, Jeffrey. What if Space Were Weaponized? Possible Consequences for Crisis Scenarios. Washington, D.C.: Center for Defense Information, July 2004. [ 16 quotes ] [ page 13 ]
Among the extraordinary powers that the United States now enjoys is the power to shape the agenda for the use of space in the twenty-first century. If Washington seeks to extend its military dominance by flight-testing and deploying space weaponry, other capitals would surely follow suit. They would not do so in as sophisticated or as expensive a manner, but they will compete as best they can. ( More ... ) Katz-Hyman, Michael and Michael Krepon. Assurance or Space Dominance? The Case Against Weaponizing Space. Washington, D.C.: Henry L. Stimson Center, April 2003. [ 16 quotes ] [ page 125 ]
From the musket to the repeating rifle to the machine gun, each innovation changed the face of warfare temporarily, but none provided a lasting advantage to the original developer. In some cases, the rush to deploy a new weapon was, in hindsight, counterproductive and unwise. Take our experience with multiple, independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs)--the multiple warheads on a single ballistic missile each of which can be directed independently at a different target. In the early 1970s, acting on a desire to overwhelm what turned out to be a very limited Soviet missile defense and on thin evidence that a Soviet MIRV deployment was imminent, the United States deployed MIRVs with virtually no constraints from the administration at the time. The Soviets did not sit idle. Within several years they, too, were deploying MIRVed systems. ( More ... ) Robb, Charles S. "Star Wars II." Washington Quarterly. Vol. 22, No. 13 (Winter 1999): 81-86. [ 3 quotes ]