The Future Role and Need for Nuclear Weapons in the 21st Century

Abstract

The 2001 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) presented a unique strategy that included the concept of a new strategic triad encompassing offensive strike capabilities, defenses, and responsive infrastructure, all supported by robust command, control, computer, communications and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The NPR provides a roadmap for a more integrative and flexible approach to our defensive posture. Conventional weapons technologies continue to advance and, as a result, place the US in an extremely advantageous position regarding nonnuclear strike capabilities. This concept of prompt global strike (PGS) influences the role of nuclear weapons significantly in that it presents a new outlook on the balance of nuclear and nonnuclear components of our national deterrent. Funding for US weapons programs, procurement/production, and sustainment of a nuclear mission show a significant downtrend. Nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship is the current process for managing our nuclear arsenal. This includes active surveillance of the US stockpile. We continue to operate and maintain nuclear weapons in a constantly changing, post-Cold War strategic and political environment. As movement continues into the 21st century, our stockpile continues to age. The Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program promises to make stockpile management more affordable. Given the dynamic security environment of the world, RRW is the proper path forward for the 21st century. The value and role of nuclear weapons is not as clear as it once was because these events present issues and challenges that redefine the role of nuclear weapons. This paper discusses the US nuclear policy regarding our adversaries and how the US handles adversaries that have a different perspective, the new nuclear weapons states, and non-state actors with no return address who have nothing to lose.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA541415

Entities

People

  • Sherry L. Stearns-boles

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Geography
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Warheads
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Prompt Global Strike
  • Second World War
  • Students
  • Treaties
  • United States Strategic Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Strategic Security Studies