Edition

Deep Nuclear Reductions and International Security

IN THIS ISSUE: Deterrence during disarmament, Japan's coming nuclear reassessment, Pentagon studies nuke reductions, Iran tried to buy banned items from N.Korea, Russia, U.S. in talks on uranium enrichment joint venture, Fukushima is another reason to ratify CTBT.

Published on March 24, 2011
 

Deterrence During Disarmament: Deep Nuclear Reductions and International Security

James Acton | Adelphi Paper

Fukushima

After two decades of stagnation, Russia and the United States have pledged their support for reductions in nuclear warheads. But the vision of mutual disarmament remains plagued by doubts on all sides. Russia, the United States, and American allies struggle as ever with the notion that downsizing would be a step into the unknown, and hold on to the belief that, when it comes to deterrence, size matters.

Carnegie's James Acton examines long-held concerns about the effectiveness of deterrence (including extended deterrence) at low numbers, the possible incentives to use nuclear weapons first in a crisis, the potential for rearmament, and risks surrounding nuclear multipolarity. Full Article  
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