Considerations for a US Nuclear Force Structure below a 1,000-Warhead Limit
Abstract
On 5 April 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic, President Obama committed the United States to seeking "the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." This move toward a nuclear-free world is not a new idea. In January 2008, George P. Shultz, William J. Perry, Henry Kissinger, and Sam Nunn authored an article for the Wall Street Journal suggesting steps to "dramatically reduce nuclear dangers." More than a dozen former senior US officials from the past six administrations endorsed these suggestions. While these officials offered "suggestions," they realized the challenge of achieving a nuclear-free world would be difficult. In fact, the president recognized this challenge in his Prague speech when he stated, "This goal will not be reached quickly--perhaps not in my lifetime." "Just as importantly," the president added, "As long as these weapons exist, the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter any adversary, and guarantee the defense of our allies." In a move toward a nuclear-free world, Obama and Russian president Medvedev signed the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)" on 8 April 2010 in Prague, limiting deployed strategic warheads to 1,550. This is a 30-percent reduction from the 2002 Moscow Treaty, moving the world one step closer to eliminating all nuclear weapons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA544391
Entities
People
- David J. Baylor
Organizations
- Air University