5.5: Nuclear Weapons & Arms Control
Other Information:
NATO relies upon a mixture of conventional and nuclear weapons for the purpose of deterring an armed attack. Changes in threats
to the Alliance have broadened the concept of deterrence and allowed NATO to dramatically reduce the types, numbers and roles
of its nuclear forces. At the same time, global leaders -- including many from Allied nations -- have expressed a desire to
move toward a world free from the threat posed by nuclear arms. Looking ahead, the Alliance should be prepared for in-depth
consultations on the future role of nuclear weapons in its deterrence strategy. Some parameters for those consultations, which
will take place against the backdrop of the larger global nuclear debate, are suggested below: As long as nuclear weapons
remain a reality in international relations, the Alliance should retain a nuclear component to its deterrent strategy -- at
the minimum level required by the prevailing security environment. Under current security conditions, the retention of some
U.S. forward-deployed systems on European soil reinforces the principle of extended nuclear deterrence and collective defence.
Broad participation of the non-nuclear Allies is an essential sign of transatlantic solidarity and risk sharing. Participation
by the non-nuclear states can take place in the form of nuclear deployments on their territory or by non-nuclear support measures.
NATO should continue to ensure the absolute physical security of nuclear weapons stored on European soil. There should be
an ongoing NATO dialogue with Russia on nuclear perceptions, concepts, doctrines, and transparency. These talks should help
set the stage for the further reduction and possible eventual elimination of the entire class of sub-strategic nuclear weapons.
NATO should re-establish the Special Consultative Group on Arms Control for the purpose of facilitating its own internal dialogue
about the whole range of issues related to nuclear doctrine, new arms control initiatives, and proliferation. NATO should
make clear its full support for efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, to reduce further the prominence
of nuclear arms in the defence doctrines of any country, and to ensure that nuclear materials are handled in a safe and secure
manner. NATO should endorse a policy of not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states that are
party to the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty and in compliance with their nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Recommendation:
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