On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) in a televised speech. The program aimed to develop advanced systems to protect the United States from ballistic missile attacks. Critics quickly nicknamed it “Star Wars,” noting its futuristic goals. Supporters believed SDI could shift the balance of power and reduce nuclear threats. Critics argued it was technically challenging, expensive, and destabilizing. Although many of its original concepts were not fully realized, SDI influenced later missile defense efforts and Cold War negotiations.
