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Extended nuclear deterrence after the cold war. Study project

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6274836

The emerging new world order resulting from the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact is very different from what existed during the Cold War. Nations find that their economic, political, and military interests are undergoing significant change. This paper reviews the issue of American strategy by assessing the continued relevancy of extended nuclear deterrence. The author concludes that extended nuclear deterrence continues to be relevant today. Four arguments against a shift in this nuclear concept are presented. First, extended deterrence worked for more than forty years. Second, the United States has a responsibility, and an interest, to continue it role as the powerful and only leader of nuclear-armed nations. Third, extended nuclear deterrence discourages allies of the United States from developing their own nuclear arsenals. Fourth, extended nuclear deterrence provides a hedge against nuclear weapons proliferation - proliferation that will occur. Extended nuclear deterrence provides the United States the political influence and military strength to protect its security interests and meet all expectations of the international community. However, the United States must ensure the visibility and credibility of its strategic and regional nuclear weapons commitments and capabilities.

Research Organization:
Army War Coll., Carlisle Barracks, PA (United States)
OSTI ID:
6274836
Report Number(s):
AD-A-265087/7/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English