The Role of the Geographic Combatant Commander in Counterproliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Abstract
Because of the immense destructive power of nuclear weapons and the increasing potential for proliferation to antagonistic countries, it is imperative that the United States lead an active campaign of counterproliferation around the world. In order to achieve effective counterproliferation initiatives, all elements of national power must be employed including diplomatic, information, military, and economic resources. Counterproliferation initiatives must include joint military forces, governmental agencies, and international organizations and must be adaptable to regional specific issues due to the widespread differences in ideology and capability. This paper reviews current and past doctrine on counterproliferation as well initiatives used to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons. This paper will review the basic technology behind nuclear weapons and nuclear energy in order to define the difference between the two that can be used to improve existing doctrine. This paper will review three counterproliferation case studies, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, and North Korea to demonstrate the differences that exist in different counterproliferation scenarios. This paper will then divide proliferation into three stages and discuss actions by Geographic Combatant Commanders in each stage to dissuade, deter, and if necessary, defeat counterproliferation in any scenario.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468762
Entities
People
- Bradford W. Baker
Organizations
- National Defense University