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

several fronts. However, the sheer numbers of nuclear
weapons remaining in the Russian inventory <strong>and</strong> the
siting of many of those weapons in close proximity
to <strong>NATO</strong> member states dictate that <strong>NATO</strong> seek options
for systematized reduction <strong>and</strong> relocation of
those weapons, <strong>and</strong> for a continuing deterrent posture
while those reductions are still in process.
Thus, the November 2010 <strong>NATO</strong> Strategic Concept
adopted at Lisbon states in part:
Deterrence, based on an appropriate mix of nuclear
<strong>and</strong> conventional capabilities, remains a core element
of our overall strategy. The circumstances in which
any use of nuclear weapons might have to be contemplated
are extremely remote. As long as nuclear weapons
exist, <strong>NATO</strong> will remain a nuclear alliance. 1
However, it later records the following qualification:
<strong>NATO</strong> seeks its security at the lowest possible level
of forces. Arms control, disarmament, <strong>and</strong> nonproliferation
contribute to peace, security, <strong>and</strong> stability, <strong>and</strong>
should ensure undiminished security for all Alliance
members. We will continue to play our part in reinforcing
arms control <strong>and</strong> in promoting disarmament
of both conventional weapons <strong>and</strong> weapons of mass
destruction, as well as nonproliferation efforts. 2
Arms control is embraced as a primary vehicle to
enable the systematic <strong>and</strong> verifiable reduction of the
residual Russian nuclear arsenals <strong>and</strong> other security
factors related directly to the maintenance of that
nuclear posture. Specifically, <strong>NATO</strong> embraces stability-
<strong>and</strong> security-enhancing nuclear reductions both
in general <strong>and</strong> in Europe—both Russian <strong>and</strong> <strong>NATO</strong>
nuclear weapons in theater—as well as conventional
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