Current plans to build missile defense systems against the projected "missile threat" pose serious problems in the coming years for international security and stability; arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. The project "Moving Beyond Missile Defense", pursued by INESAP in collaboration with the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, aims at developing alternatives to the emerging missile race. The project will introduce science-based proposals into the international debate and the political decision-making process on missile defense, and promote concepts and initiatives that enhance international stability and cooperation on governmental and non-governmental levels.

An international Study Group of experts assesses the political and technical link between missile proliferation and missile defense, and develops a science-based framework for feasible and adequate responses to the missile threat. The Study Group explores and promotes innovative ideas on how the roots of the problem can be resolved by political and diplomatic initiatives, and evaluates concrete arms control and disarmament proposals (improving international missile control, limitations of ballistic missile testing, ballistic missile free zones, Zero Ballistic Missile regime, regionally extended ABM Treaty, space weapons ban). Technical issues, such as the monitoring, verification and the dual-use of relevant technologies, will play a prominent role. For each of the topics, international expert teams will be formed, and all proposals are discussed in their global and regional context. Results and recommendations are to be closely integrated into an international policy-oriented process and the decision-making of relevant countries by means of media work, conferences, briefings, and lobby meetings. In order to strengthen the science-policy link, political decisionmakers, diplomats, the media and NGOs shall be involved in regional activities (North-East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Europe, Russia), with Europe as a key player. Findings of the Study Group will be presented to media and political representatives and distributed in INESAP publications (Study Group Reports, Briefing Papers, INESAP Information Bulletin) as well as in other publications and via electronic communication channels..