Deterrence theory, world order and missile defense -- The emergence of the missile defense project after 1945 -- Holding the line against the nuclear warfighters? : the Clinton administration and the containment of "rogue states" -- The paradigm shift : the George W. Bush administration's embrace of missile defense -- Finding the middle ground? : the Obama administration's consolidation and expansion of missile defense -- Destabilizing great power relations : Russian and Chinese hard balancing against US missile defense -- The contours of the missile defense debate in the 21st century -- The persistence of the missile defense project : domestic and systemic drivers.