Nuclear Weapons and U.S. National Security: A Need for New Weapons Programs?

Publication Date: September 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

In the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review, the Bush Administration outlined a new role for U.S. nuclear weapons that goes beyond the concept of deterrence from the Cold War. It also identified a new targeting strategy that would seek to threaten specific capabilities in adversary nations. Furthermore, the Administration has pledged to restore and enhance the U.S. nuclear weapons infrastructure, as part of the U.S. effort to deter the emergence of new threats in the future. In implementing the NPR, the Administration has requested funding for studies on new types of nuclear weapons. The Administration claims these projects, if they eventually produce new weapons, would enhance deterrence; critics claim they will make nuclear use more likely and undermine U.S. nonproliferation goals. This report will be updated as needed.