Tactical Nuclear Weapons and NATO.pdf - Program on Strategic ...

into account the disparity between <strong>NATO</strong> <strong>and</strong> Russian
stockpiles of short-range nuclear weapons; (2) be
considered in the context of U.S.-Russian arms control
negotiations; <strong>and</strong> (3) weigh the countervailing political
effects within the Alliance <strong>and</strong> in the minds of potential
adversaries. In that regard, the impact on the
proliferation of WMD within <strong>and</strong> without the Alliance
as a result of changes in the deterrence posture should
also be considered.
Additionally, considering the importance of burden-sharing
<strong>and</strong> consultation in the Alliance, Allied
participation in the nuclear mission also lends credibility
to their voice on the future of <strong>NATO</strong>’s nuclear
policy. Finding innovative ways to exp<strong>and</strong> the sharing
of risks <strong>and</strong> responsibilities among Allies will increase
the credibility of the deterrent <strong>and</strong> manifest alliance
solidarity, ultimately providing more leverage in negotiating
reductions in U.S.-Russian non-strategic nuclear
forces in Europe. The importance of sharing the
risks <strong>and</strong> responsibilities of maintaining U.S. nuclear
weapons in Europe <strong>and</strong> a robust consensus-based
nuclear posture cannot be over-emphasized. In every
discussion regarding the future of <strong>NATO</strong>’s nuclear
policy <strong>and</strong> potential changes to it, burden-sharing was
considered the most important criterion by the Allies.
The Alliance continues to believe that a fundamental
aspect of <strong>NATO</strong>’s collective security posture
is maintaining sufficient capability to meet the full
spectrum of current <strong>and</strong> future threats <strong>and</strong> challenges
from a position of strength. The Romans said it best:
Sic vis pacem, para bellum (if one wants peace, prepare
for war), <strong>and</strong> certainly the nature of mankind in that
regard has changed little since Roman times. We entrust
our security to our leaders, not to others. As former
President Teddy Roosevelt said at the beginning
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