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

arms control to address the perceived lack of stability
that is prompting Russia both to retain its nuclear
capabilities (particularly its large inventory of tactical
nuclear weapons) <strong>and</strong> to elevate its doctrinal reliance
on those weapons in the event of any major conflict
scenario. Both Russia <strong>and</strong> <strong>NATO</strong> seek security <strong>and</strong>
stability; the relationship between them has transitioned
from adversarial <strong>and</strong> military to more broadly
cooperative <strong>and</strong> political; <strong>and</strong> arms control offers a
political process through which to address residual
military dangers.
ARMS CONTROL THREADS AND THEMES
Thus, the 2010 <strong>NATO</strong> Strategic Concept as well as
the authors in this Part have endorsed arms control as
one primary vehicle by which to address both residual
security challenges in Europe <strong>and</strong> the specific issues
surrounding U.S. (<strong>and</strong> Russian) tactical nuclear weapons
in theater. However, the authors also pointed out
that this new arms control process must be broadened
<strong>and</strong> adapted to best fit the new realities of the present
environment. Issues, even objections, were raised concerning
individual goals or forums for arms control,
but consultative <strong>and</strong> cooperative approaches—here
termed arms control writ large—were suggested for
a wide range of regional security issues <strong>and</strong> concerns.
Interestingly, none of the authors chose U.S. tactical
nuclear weapons as their singular focus in addressing
the issues surrounding those systems. They
instead addressed the issues from such departure
points as conventional force issues; shifts in the global
strategic environment <strong>and</strong> resulting regional implications;
strategic force issues <strong>and</strong> control efforts; <strong>and</strong>
common political, economic, <strong>and</strong> force modernization
concerns of nations. The authors saw the multidimen-
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