Nuclear Deterrence in the 21st Century: The Role of Science and Engineering
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
Twenty-first century security challenges are multi-polar and asymmetric. A few nations have substantial nuclear arsenals and active nuclear weapons programs that still threaten vital US national security directly or by supporting proliferation. Maintaining a credible US nuclear deterrent and containing further proliferation will continue to be critical to US national security. Overlaid against this security backdrop, the rising worldwide population and its effects on global climate, food, and energy resources are greatly complicating the degree and number of security challenges before policy makers.This new paradigm requires new ways to assure allies that the United States remains a trusted security partner and to deter potential adversaries from aggressive actions that threaten global stability. Every U.S. President since Truman has affirmed the role of nuclear weapons as a supreme deterrent and protector of last resort of U.S. national security interests. Recently, President Bush called for a nuclear deterrent consistent with the 'lowest number of nuclear weapons' that still protects U.S. interests. How can this be achieved? And how can we continue on a path of nuclear reductions while retaining the security benefits of nuclear deterrence? Science and engineering have a key role to play in a potential new paradigm for nuclear deterrence, a concept known as 'capability-based deterrence.'
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-06NA25396
- OSTI ID:
- 960485
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-08-05019; LA-UR-08-5019; TRN: US201006%%1153
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Frontiers in Engineering Conference ; September 17, 2008 ; Albuquerque
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
''Whither Deterrence?'' A Brief Synopsis May, 2002
Strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime : focus on the civilian nuclear fuel cycle.