Viability of a Tactical Nuclear Defense for NATO.

Abstract

The basic question is whether or not reliance, by the US and NATO, on a tactical nuclear defense is realistic. Past, current and potential doctrine and policy are examined. Data was gathered using a literature search. The tremendous numbers of tactical nuclear weapons available to both NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the consequences of employment of these weapons, and the alternatives to their use indicate that the value of tactical nuclear weapons lies in their continued presence as a deterrent force. The implications, domestic and international, inherent in the final decision to employ tactical nucelar weapons and the ramifications of control after initial use have led to the apparent unclear nuclear employment policy of NATO. (AUthor)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 10, 1975
Accession Number
ADA021816

Entities

People

  • James A. Quinlan

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Doctrine
  • Domestic
  • Employment
  • Literature
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Viability
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design