U.S. Strategic Posture in a Nuclear Weapons Free World
Abstract
In his 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, President Obama stated that his administration will fulfill its pledge, and subsequently some U.S. treaty obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, "to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy and focus on reducing the nuclear dangers of the 21st century, while sustaining a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent for the United States and our allies and partners as long as nuclear weapons exist." This paper outlines a potential U.S. strategic posture to sustain a stable environment while maintaining a nuclear weapons-free world (NWFW). The paper is intended to generate discussion among today's junior leaders, who are the senior leaders of tomorrow, on some components of a grand strategy required for the United States to protect its national security interests in a future NWFW. The author proposes that the four primary components of a suitable U.S. strategic posture are as follows: (1) International inspections and verification measures, (2) Punitive measures in terms of sanctions, (3) Defensive measures such as ballistic missile defense, and (4) Nuclear weapon reconstitution and employment capabilities. The paper also provides a broad overview of some challenges that implementing each of those components presents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 29, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA565061
Entities
People
- John W. Eisenhauer
Organizations
- Stanford University