Which treaty within the SALT framework limited anti-ballistic missile systems to preserve deterrence?

• A. ABM Treaty
• B. NPT
• C. START II
• D. Chemical Weapons Convention

Answer: (A)

Deterrence works best when both sides remain vulnerable to retaliation; a shield-like defense could undermine that balance by making it possible to stop an attack entirely. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty was crafted to prevent that shift by limiting anti-ballistic missile systems to a small number of deployment areas for each side. By curbing defenses, it kept the ability to retaliate credible, which is at the heart of stable deterrence. This treaty sits within the SALT framework, which sought to cap strategic offensive and defensive capabilities to prevent either side from gaining a decisive advantage through defenses. The other options address different topics: the NPT deals with preventing nuclear proliferation, START II focuses on reducing deployed strategic weapons, and the Chemical Weapons Convention governs chemical weapons.