Credible Nuclear Deterrence for Japan
Abstract
The credibility of the U.S. nuclear deterrent extended to Japan has decreased in recent years due to the declining role of nuclear weapons in U.S. strategy. The U.S. nuclear guarantee is an important element of Japan's security strategy, and the United States should maintain it. To reassure Japan of U.S. nuclear commitments without provoking domestic Japanese opposition or potential adversaries, the United States should improve the perception of its resolve to defend Japan with nuclear weapons while continuing to pursue ballistic missile defenses and modest nuclear arms reductions. This will strengthen U.S. Japan alliance bonds, reduce the likelihood of nuclear proliferation, and reduce the threat of nuclear attack against Japan and U.S. forces based in Japan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378257
Entities
People
- David C. Rasmussen
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School