| ID | 128978 |
| Title Proper | Future outlook for arms control / disarmament talks on non-strategic nuclear forces |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ichimasa, Sukeyuki |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Following the ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the U.S.
Obama administration has shown enthusiasm towards the inclusion of non-strategic nuclear
forces - arsenals that were unaddressed in past nuclear arms control treaties between the two
countries - into the agenda of talks with Russia. However, non-strategic nuclear forces have
played different roles in each country, militarily and politically. For the U.S., the military value
of non-strategic nuclear forces has been declining. Their significance is becoming increasingly
difficult to discern, except for demonstrating commitment to visible extended deterrence to U.S.
allies. NATO, on the other hand, has stated in the 2012 Deterrence and Defense Posture Review
that it would explore reciprocal reductions of non-strategic nuclear forces with Russia, and as a
nuclear alliance, reaffirmed the deterrent role of non-strategic nuclear forces. By contrast, Russia
continues to attach importance to the role of non-strategic nuclear forces as an important element
of deterrence, and has expressed growing wariness over the development of U.S.'s ballistic missile
defense systems and conventional prompt global strike (CPGS) capability. The outlook for U.S.-
Russian arms control and disarmament of non-strategic nuclear forces is by no means promising.
Accordingly, it is imperative that U.S., Russia, and NATO continue to hold strategic dialogues
and build trust if reductions of non-strategic nuclear forces are to take place. The U.S. initiative
to reduce nuclear forces is particularly key. Critical tasks ahead will be the development of a new
common understanding between the U.S. and its allies regarding strategic stability and the role of
nuclear forces in deterrence, in addition to a shared understanding on the qualitative changes of the
threats facing the U.S. and Russia, respectively. |
| `In' analytical Note | NIDS Journal of Defense and Security Vol.14; Dec 2013: p.49-70 |
| Journal Source | NIDS Journal of Defense and Security Vol.14; Dec 2013: p.49-70 |
| Key Words | New START ; United States ; Russia ; Non Strategic Nuclear Forces ; NATO ; Nuclear Alliance ; CPGS |