| ID | 111883 |
| Title Proper | Chinese and Asian impact on Russian nuclear policy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Blank, Stephen |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Asia, where nuclear powers already interact (including North Korea), exerts a growing influence on the thinking and policy underlying Russia's current and future nuclear (and overall defense) posture. China's rise is forcing Russia into a greater reliance on strategic offensive weapons and tactical nuclear weapons. These in turn will reinforce its opposition to US missile defenses, not only in Europe but also in Asia. Russia must now entertain the possibility of nuclear use in regional conflicts that would otherwise remain purely conventional. It cannot be postulated blindly that nuclear weapons serve no discernible purpose other than to deter nuclear attacks by other nuclear powers. The strategic equation in Asia and in the Russian Far East convincingly demonstrates the falsity of this approach. Nuclear weapons will be the essential component of Russia's regional defense policy if not of its overall policies - and this also includes contingencies in Europe. |
| `In' analytical Note | Defense and Security Analysis Vol. 28, No.1; Mar 2012: p.36-54 |
| Journal Source | Defense and Security Analysis Vol. 28, No.1; Mar 2012: p.36-54 |
| Key Words | China Military Threat ; Russian Far East ; Asia Pacific Region ; Chinese Navy ; Arctic Region ; Vostok-2010 ; Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs) ; Russian Nuclear Strategy ; China |