1st Edition

Defending the Arsenal Why America’s Nuclear Modernization Still Matters

Edited By Adam B. Lowther, Stephen J. Cimbala Copyright 2017
    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    One important area of interest within military and policy circles focuses on an effort to revitalize the nuclear triad amidst a number of competing strategic interests. The difficulties arising from US engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan are leading many scholars and policy makers to question whether a reinvigorated nuclear triad has any role in deterring modern adversaries. This volume takes an unashamed pro-nuclear modernization position and argues for designing and fielding new nuclear warheads and delivery systems (submarine, ICBM, and bomber) while also arguing against signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty or agreeing to further reductions in the nuclear arsenal. It also argues that nuclear deterrence remains as relevant today, perhaps more, than it was during the Cold War. With so many authors advocating for "Global Zero" and highlighting perceived dangers from a nuclear arsenal, this work stands in stark contrast to the chorus of anti-arsenal works. Because of the work’s structure and effort to answer questions of current relevance, it should appeal to a broad audience including: service staffs, PME students, COCOM staffs, Pentagon personnel, Capitol Hill staffers, policy makers, academics, graduate students, and interested readers.

    Table of Contents

    List of Figures

    List of Contributors

    Foreward

    Introduction

    Acknowledgements

    List of Abbreviations

    1. THE FUTURE US NUCLEAR STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT, Michelle K. Stinson
    2. IS THERE FUTURE UTILITY IN NUCLEAR WEAPONS? NUCLEAR WEAPONS SAVE LIVES, Robert A. Hoskins
    3. DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL? Paul D. Schumacher
    4. NUCLEAR BUDGETING: THE PERILOUS IMPACT OF UNCERTAINTY, Michaela Dodge and Adam Lowther
    5. THE CASE FOR A NEW NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARSENAL, Eric Moore
    6. MODERNIZING THE NUCLEAR BOMBER: A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE, Thomas C. Kirkham
    7. ICBMs: COLD WAR RELICS OR PRODUCTS FOR PEACE, Anita Feugate Opperman
    8. STRATEGIC BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES: A NECESSARY BUT UNCERTAIN FUTURE, Donald M. Neff
    9. MISSILE DEFENSES AND STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ARMS CONTROL: TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY CHALLENGES, Stephen Cimbala and Adam Lowther
    10. NUCLEAR MODERNIZATION AND THE NONPROLIFERTION TREATY: COMPLIANCE OR COMPROMISE, Shelley Bischoff Kavlick
    11. SHOULD THE UNITED STATES RATIFY THE COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY OR IS NUCLEAR TESTING STILL NECESSARY? Karyn E. McKinney
    12. NUCLEAR ARMS REDUCTIONS AFTER NEW START: OBSTACLES AND OPTIONS, Stephen Cimbala

    Biography

    Adam B. Lowther, Director, School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies.



    Stephen J. Cimbala, Penn State University--Brandywine.