U.S. Nuclear Modernization and the Nonproliferation Treaty
Abstract
The United States (U.S.) is at a crossroads with its nuclear weapons program. It has not developed a nuclear weapon in over thirty years. Its Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is fifty years old, and its newest stealth bombers and nuclear submarines are aging. Its adversaries are upgrading and modernizing their nuclear forces at astonishing rates. Hypersonic missiles, mobile ICBMs, nuclear torpedoes, stealth aircraft, and unstable regimes threaten U.S. security. U.S. nuclear deterrence is weakening, causing instability and vulnerabilities. The U.S. must modernize its nuclear force to thwart these threats and regain stability, but modernization could cause a domino effect of nuclear proliferation and the possible collapse of the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). The NPT strives to prevent proliferation, avoid the use of nuclear weapons, and elicit global disarmament. All NPT members have committed to eventual disarmament. Modernization might be viewed as breaking that commitment, causing members to lose faith in the organization. A failing NPT cannot prevent proliferation, and states will seek to acquire nuclear weapons to ensure their security. The U.S. can, and should, modernize while preserving the integrity of the NPT through its messaging. This message should emphasize the U.S. commitment to the NPT and focus on the regimes that are creating instability. It should stress the U.S. need to modernize to create stability, protect those under its nuclear umbrella, and deter nuclear war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1178158
Entities
People
- Walter R Ehman
Organizations
- Naval War College