Office of Missile Defense & Space Policy (ISN/MDSP)Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation MISSION STATEMENT The Office of Missile Defense & Space Policy (MDSP) provides research, analysis, options, and recommendations to support the ISN Bureau Assistant Secretary, the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, and other senior Department of State officials on issues related to missile defense, strategic early warning cooperation, and national security-related space policy. The office represents the Bureau and/or Department on U.S. Delegations for bilateral and multilateral consultations and negotiations in those areas.ISN/MDSP is the Department’s lead in the development of Department of State positions regarding missile defense policy and programs, as well as missile defense cooperation with foreign governments, and works closely with the regional bureaus in multilateral fora such as NATO and the NATO-Russia Council. Furthermore, ISN/MDSP is responsible for organizing, directly supporting, and participating in, the bilateral negotiations with the Czech Republic and Poland related to the prospective deployment of missile defense assets in central Europe, and related consultations with the Russian Federation. The ISN/MDSP office provides support to consultations and negotiations regarding USG diplomatic initiatives such as early warning cooperation and pre-launch notification regimes. ISN/MDSP is the lead within the Department for implementation of the U.S.-Russia agreements on the Joint Data Exchange Center (JDEC) and the Pre-Launch Notification System (PLNS). Within the Department, ISN/MDSP plays a leading role in the development and implementation of U.S. space policy as it relates to national security affairs. In particular, this Office provides analysis, options, and recommendations to support the Bureau and Department regarding all policy, programmatic, technical, and threat issues related to strategic space arms control and military- and intelligence-related space policy issues (including space-based missile defenses and anti-satellite weapons). Key missions of the office include: Developing and Implementing Missile Defense Policy: In coordination with the Department’s regional bureaus, and in support of the Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation, ISN/MDSP has the leading role in developing and implementing a diplomatic strategy to encourage cooperation and participation by foreign governments in missile defense programs and related activities. Developing and implementing policies regarding the national security uses of outer space: In coordination with the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, the Bureau of Political Military Affairs, the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, and the regional bureaus, ISN/MDSP has the lead in developing and implementing diplomatic strategies regarding national security doctrine and policy as it applies to military- and intelligence-related space programs and operations. . The office’s portfolio includes diplomatic and public diplomacy initiatives in support of vital U.S. national interests in outer space. These initiatives seek both to preserve U.S. rights, capabilities and freedom of action in space and to promote cooperation with friends and allies on space activities that protect and promote freedom around the world. Ensures Coordination and Consistency between Missile Defense Policy and National Security Space Policy: Although the two major functions of the office are not directly connected in national policy guidance, policy decisions in one area may have policy implications to the other. By serving as the State Department's focal point for both issues, ISN/MDSP can ensure coordination in formulation and implementation of policies in areas of mutual interest, such as space-based missile early warning and pre-launch notification. Director: David E. Hoppler |
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