The Role of Nuclear Weapons in the U.S. National Security Strategy and the Army
Abstract
With the demise of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Former Soviet Union, the long standing threat to the U.S. and its allies seems to be disappearing. As a result, the principles that governed the past strategies are no longer present or they are quickly fading away. As the fear of global nuclear war seemingly diminishes, this has reopened a national debate concerning the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. National Security Strategy. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of nuclear weapons. The intent is not to produce an emotional plea for these weapons. More importantly, the concern is that future leaders continue to consider all options in developing a coherent military strategy and not automatically accept the premise that certain roles for these systems are no longer needed or do not have to be explored. In fact, future leaders must recognize that nuclear weapons cannot be un-invented and will continue to play a role in maintaining crisis stability in the new world, limiting proliferation and providing a warfighting option, if needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264235
Entities
People
- Robert L. Hanson Jr
Organizations
- United States Army War College