The Logic of the Nuclear Arsenal
Abstract
With the historic election of Barack Obama, the United States is likely to see an equally historic review of nuclear weapons policy. In 2009 alone, the new administration will undertake a nuclear posture review (NPR), expected in early 2010, and oversee the expiration or renegotiation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which expires 5 Dec 2009. Mr. Obama also will be responsible for ensuring compliance with obligations in the Strategic Offense Reduction Treaty (SORT), which requires that the United States reduce its deployed strategic warheads to between 1,700 and 2,200 by 2012. During Obama's first week in office, the White House revealed the policies he will pursue regarding the nuclear arsenal. Three foci in Mr. Obama's nuclear agenda are apparent: securing loose nuclear material from terrorists, strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), and moving toward a nuclear-free world. Attempting to influence the administration's nuclear policy are a number of individuals and organizations with very different views of the nuclear arsenal and national security. While imperfect, it is possible to organize this diversity of thought on nuclear issues into two broad groups. On the one hand are the "modernizers," led by a number of prominent military leaders who have outlined what it will take to maintain and modernize the most advanced and secure nuclear arsenal in the world. Their views shaped recent reports published by such groups as the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management, the Defense Science Board, and the U.S. Air Force. On the other hand, there are the "abolitionists," whose visible members include think tank analysts, former U.S. senators, and a substantial number of senior faculty at leading universities. This article attempts to illustrate errors in fact and reasoning that are often made when advocating nuclear abolition, and to provide a better explanation of the position held by nuclear modernizers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA511235
Entities
People
- Adam Lowther
Organizations
- Air University