This is a pretty ahistorical take, especially considering the stated goal of "SDI" was to develop the ability to destroy warheads during flight, with most of th

This is a pretty ahistorical take, especially considering the stated goal of "SDI" was to develop the ability to destroy warheads during flight, with most of the research projects seemingly focused on the terminal phase. There is no reason to think "SDI was a ruse to make USSR overspend". The Soviet Union experienced a period of liberalization prior to its "parade of sovereignties". Its citizens demanded freedom and would eventually obtain some of it.