What was the key feature of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and what were the consequences of its demise for strategic stability?

• A. It banned intercontinental ballistic missiles and expired without consequence.
• B. It banned all nuclear weapons globally; its demise led to universal disarmament.
• C. It banned ground-launched missiles with ranges 100–1000 km; its demise had no effect.
• D. It banned ground-launched missiles with ranges 500–5,500 km; its dissolution raised concerns about new missile deployments and crisis instability.

Answer: (D)