Defending the Arsenal Why America’s Nuclear Modernization Still Matters

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 ContentsList of FiguresList of ContributorsForewardIntroductionAcknowledgementsList of AbbreviationsTHE FUTURE US NUCLEAR STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT, Michelle K. StinsonIS THERE FUTURE UTILITY IN NUCLEAR WEAPONS? NUCLEAR WEAPONS SAVE LIVES, Robert A. HoskinsDOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL? Paul D. SchumacherNUCLEAR BUDGETING: THE PERILOUS IMPACT OF UNCERTAINTY, Michaela Dodge and Adam LowtherTHE CASE FOR A NEW NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARSENAL, Eric MooreMODERNIZING THE NUCLEAR BOMBER: A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE, Thomas C. KirkhamICBMs: COLD WAR RELICS OR PRODUCTS FOR PEACE, Anita Feugate OppermanSTRATEGIC BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES: A NECESSARY BUT UNCERTAIN FUTURE, Donald M. NeffMISSILE DEFENSES AND STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ARMS CONTROL: TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY CHALLENGES, Stephen Cimbala and Adam LowtherNUCLEAR MODERNIZATION AND THE NONPROLIFERTION TREATY: COMPLIANCE OR COMPROMISE, Shelley Bischoff KavlickSHOULD THE UNITED STATES RATIFY THE COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY OR IS NUCLEAR TESTING STILL NECESSARY? Karyn E. McKinneyNUCLEAR ARMS REDUCTIONS AFTER NEW START: OBSTACLES AND OPTIONS, Stephen Cimbala

Adam B. Lowther, Director, School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies.Stephen J. Cimbala, Penn State University--Brandywine.