NATO's Theater Nuclear Forces: A Coherent Strategy for the 1980s,

Abstract

With the passage of time, the role of nuclear weapons in NATO defense strategy has changed significantly. By the 1980s, the doctrine of massive retaliation has evolved into one of flexible response. Now that the Soviet Union has reached parity with the West in strategic forces, NATO's theater nuclear strategy has emerged as a critical issue. Although deterrence remains the goal of NATO defense policy, the current configuration of NATO's triad of conventional, theater nuclear, and strategic nuclear forces may not be adequate to maintain the peace. The author focuses on theater nuclear forces, recommending changes in their configuration to support changes in conventional and strategic forces. In calling for clarification of the conditions which would justify initial use of theater nuclear weapons, he proposes an explicit linking of conventional and theater forces with strategic forces. The adoption of these proposals would allow a restatement of flexible response and enhance deterrence.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADA136609

Entities

People

  • J. D. Reed

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artillery
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Munitions
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Warfare
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Recreation
  • Rockets
  • Strategic Weapons
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
  • Strategic Security Studies