Working for an alternative future in US-Soviet relations

The founders of the Supplemental Ways of Improving International Stability (SWIIS) programme of the International Federation of Automatic Control believed that system analysts and engineers could make useful inputs to the work of conflict resolution. This article describes initiatives deriving from this programme and considers a system approach to reducing the continuing stand-off between the USSR and the USA. The goals to be attained and barriers to their attainment in this process are outlined.