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

with a posture that lowers the risks of the spread of
nuclear weapons capability <strong>and</strong> the possibility of
nuclear weapons use. What we need today is a new
kind of surge—an intellectual, policy, <strong>and</strong> political
countersurge to both the Global Zero movement <strong>and</strong>
those who insist that defense budgets be cut irrespective
of its impact on Alliance security. We need a new
impetus to challenge the statements <strong>and</strong> assertions of
groups like the Global Zero Movement.
In sum, I see the end result of the DDPR as one
where the U.S. nuclear presence in Europe is affirmed.
There are too many proven political <strong>and</strong> psychological
benefits of the long-st<strong>and</strong>ing extended nuclear
deterrence posture to justify change now <strong>and</strong> no real
incentive to do so in light of the security environment.
The weapons serve to deter aggression, persuade the
nonpossessing Ally that there is no need to develop
nuclear weapons himself, <strong>and</strong> are a visible <strong>and</strong> viable
symbol of the transatlantic link between the United
States <strong>and</strong> European Allies. There may be some minor
adjustments in numbers, which should remain classified,
but not many because of their potential for use
as an arms control quid pro quo in U.S.-Russia negotiations.
I do not see any changes in <strong>NATO</strong>’s declaratory
policy for a couple of reasons but most simply because
the French will never go along with it. A <strong>NATO</strong> nuclear
deterrent can play a significant <strong>and</strong> far-reaching
role demonstrating Alliance solidarity in the face of aggression
with WMD, <strong>and</strong> not just nuclear weapons. As
I have often stated, the Alliance uses nuclear weapons
every single day. They daily play an important political
role in demonstrating solidarity, burden-sharing,
<strong>and</strong> the incalculable consequences of aggression.
The weapons we have invented cannot be uninvented.
We must live with them. They are an inevi-
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