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The Carter Years

The Carter Years. 1977-81. Jimmy Carter. President: 1977-81 Initial attitudes towards foreign & defense policy: continued détente human rights non-intervention (eschewed covert operations and special forces) reduced defense spending. Defense outlook hardens.

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The Carter Years

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  1. The Carter Years 1977-81

  2. Jimmy Carter • President: 1977-81 • Initial attitudes towards foreign & defense policy: • continued détente • human rights • non-intervention (eschewed covert operations and special forces) • reduced defense spending

  3. Defense outlook hardens • Ongoing problems with the Third World. • The Iranian Revolution, 1979. • Hostage Crisis begins in November • Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, December 1979.

  4. SALT II talks 1972-79:Treaty June 1979 • Chief focus: curbing MIRVs. Each side limited to: • 2,250 total delivery systems. • 1,320 MIRVed missiles and bombers with cruise missiles • 1,200 land- & sea-based MIRVed missiles • 820 land-based MIRVed ICBMs • Included a three-year ban on development of weapons such as cruise missiles & mobile ICBM launchers.

  5. “Countervailing Strategy” • Developed by Harold Brown, Secretary of Defense, 1977-81. • Officially adopted in Presidential Directive 59 (July 1980). • Sought capacity to fight nuclear war at different levels of intensity, with flexible targeting options. • By allowing for more nuclear options than a MAD countervalue retaliation, hoped to bolster deterrence.

  6. Updating weapons • The Peacekeeper (MX) ICBM • Carried 10 warheads • Approved by Crater administration in 1979. • Original plan was for a mobile launcher system.

  7. Carter & NATO • Got allies to increase real defense spending. • Facilitated programs to standardize NATO equipment and forces, assisted conventional force development.

  8. NATO Nuclear Policy • Challenged by Soviet deployment of a new theatre nuclear missile (SS-20). • Plans for neutron bombs misfire. • The “Two Track” policy, adopted by NATO Dec. 1979: • Pursue an agreement with U.S.S.R. to reduce theatre nuclear missiles. • Deploy new Pershing II ballistic missiles and ground-launched cruise missiles.

  9. Other diplomatic developments • Carter formally recognizes the People’s Republic of China. • Initiates, then stops, troop withdrawal from South Korea. • Agreed to give up control of Panama Canal. • Torrijos-Carter Treaties, 1977

  10. Camp David Accords • Established peace between Egypt and Israel, 1978. • Carter bolstered by providing economic and military aid to both countries.

  11. Carter Doctrine • Expressed in State of the Union Address of January 1980: • “An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force.”

  12. Bolstering interests in the Mid-East • Arms assistance to Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. • Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) created. • Diego Garcia developed into major U.S. base; other base rights acquired in region.

  13. Failed Special Ops:Operation EAGLE CLAW • Failed attempt to rescue U.S. hostages in Tehran, April 24-25, 1980.

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