Sizing Post-Cold War Nuclear Forces

This study addresses the utility of, and need for, nuclear weapons a decade after the end of the Cold War with special focus on the numbers and types of nuclear weapons appropriate for particular requirements. The study examines the effects of post-Cold War changes in: (1) the stakes involved in int...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Oelrich, I C
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
COLD WAR
DAMAGE
DEFENSE PLANNING
DETERRENCE
DISPLACEMENT
MILITARY STRATEGY
NATIONAL SECURITY
NUCLEAR WARFARE
Nuclear Weapons
TACTICAL WARFARE
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Summary:This study addresses the utility of, and need for, nuclear weapons a decade after the end of the Cold War with special focus on the numbers and types of nuclear weapons appropriate for particular requirements. The study examines the effects of post-Cold War changes in: (1) the stakes involved in international disputes, (2) the conventional balance, (3) the ideological motivations for conflict, (4) war planning, (5) counterforce and countervalue targeting goals, (6) the virtual power imparted by nuclear weapons, and (7) the conventional displacement of nuclear missions The study considers four possible uses of nuclear weapons: deterrence of attack by weapons of mass destruction, damage limitation, tactical war fighting, political prestige, and virtual power.