Nuclear weapons and deterrence in Europe

Journal Article · · Int. Secur.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2538586· OSTI ID:5899052

Mearsheimer, J J

A No First Use (NFU) of nuclear weapons would deprive NATO of a very important deterrent capability. Although NATO could build formidable conventional forces, they would not have the deterrent value of nuclear weapons and would increase the possibility of war breaking out in a future crisis. Although NFU is likely to lead policymakers to think that there is little prospect that nuclear weapons would be used in a conventional conflict, a real risk of nuclear escalation would remain. It will be difficult for NATO to maintain the existing balance of conventional forces, let alone improve them significantly. Despite some important deficiencies, the NATO forces already have a posture of deterrence. The challenge will be to preserve the existing conventional balance while altering the composition of the nuclear arsenal. NATO must make every effort to prevent unilateral cutbacks in the size of its fighting forces.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Chicago, IL
• OSTI ID: 5899052
• Journal Information: Int. Secur.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. Secur.; (United States) Vol. 9:3; ISSN INTSD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ADVERSARIES
COOPERATION
EQUIPMENT
EUROPE
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
NATO
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
WEAPONS