Frontline Season 21 Episode 4 Missile Wars
- October 10, 2002
In season 21 episode 4 of Frontline, titled "Missile Wars," the show delves into the topic of missile defense systems and the ongoing arms race between the United States, Russia, and other countries.
Through interviews with experts in the field, government officials, and military personnel, the episode explores the history of missile defense and the motivations behind developing such technology. It also examines the impact that missile defense has had on international relations and the potential for it to lead to further conflict.
One of the main focuses of the episode is the controversial U.S. missile defense system known as the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system (GMD). The GMD has been a subject of much debate since its inception, with critics arguing that it is flawed and of limited effectiveness.
The episode also looks at Russia's own missile defense program and its concerns about the U.S. system. The two countries have been engaged in a tense arms race for decades, and the development of complex missile defense systems has only added to the tension.
In addition to these two major players, the episode explores the missile defense programs of other countries such as China, North Korea, and Iran. Each country has its own motivations for developing these systems, whether it be protection from potential enemies or a desire to assert dominance in the region.
Throughout the episode, Frontline provides an in-depth examination of the technical aspects of these missile defense systems, including the science behind intercepting a missile and the challenges of developing the necessary technology.
At the same time, the show highlights the human impact of these developments, particularly on the people who live near the sites where the missile defense systems are based. Many of these communities have been affected by the noise and disruption caused by the testing and deployment of these systems.
Overall, "Missile Wars" offers a nuanced and eye-opening look at an issue that has far-reaching implications for global security and the lives of millions of people around the world.