Mitigating Critical Vulnerabilities in U.S. Nuclear Defense Strategy
Abstract
This paper examines three core outlets for addressing the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) threat: missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and nuclear diplomacy. The United States remains vulnerable to ICBMs fielded by nuclear peers, Russia and China; its nuclear defenses would likely be overwhelmed in the event of a nuclear war. Applying the Problem/Solution framework, this study demonstrates that nuclear diplomacy is an under-utilized outlet that provides a low-cost solution for a substantial gain in increased safety from ICBMs. Nuclear treaties have historically curbed both nuclear weapon production and development. Treaties decrease opportunities for miscalculation, and they increase transparency between nuclear competitors. Although treaties are not the complete answer to this significant problem, they must be regarded as an integral component of the solution. Missile defense systems could provide a viable solution if production of interceptors is substantially increased and the intercept technology is matured. At current production costs, establishing robust missile defense is not economically feasible. Increasing spending on nuclear deterrence (via nuclear triad) is economically feasible because of the scale of U.S. defense spending compared to its peer competitors; however, this course of action is escalatory in nature and could potentially ignite the nuclear conflict it aims to prevent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1108161
Entities
People
- Anthony R. Eastin
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College