Beyond INF: a new approach to nonnuclear forces
With the likelihood of an agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States on medium- and short-range nuclear missiles, the issue of nonnuclear forces in Europe is coming to the fore. For years the problem of conventional and chemical weapons in Europe has been overshadowed by that of nuclear weapons. But once Moscow accepted Washington's proposals to remove medium- and short-range nuclear missiles from Europe, it was quickly pointed out in the West that as nuclear weapons are reduced, it is necessary to ensure that the Warsaw Pact cannot dominate the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with its nonnuclear forces; the nonnuclear problem must be tackled. Out of apparent recognition that the military confrontation in Europe cannot be eased unless the nonnuclear problem is addressed, the Warsaw Pact has made a variety of proposals. In particular, it has put forth the idea, which so far has received little attention in the West, that doctrine for the use of nonnuclear forces be made defensive and that consultations on doctrine be held between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. This is a remarkable departure for an alliance that has hitherto emphasized the capacity to attack with nonnuclear forces, in retaliation for any infringement of its territory. How the West responds is a matter of first importance.
- Research Organization:
- Trinity College, Cambridge (England)
- OSTI ID:
- 7006807
- Journal Information:
- World Policy J.; (United States), Journal Name: World Policy J.; (United States) Vol. 4:4; ISSN WPOJE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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290000 -- Energy Planning & Policy
350100* -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
ASIA
CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NATO
NEGOTIATION
NORTH AMERICA
SECURITY
USA
USSR
WARFARE