NCJ Number
190331
Date Published
October 2000
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper examined the progress of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) policy since the end of the Cold War and outlined the principles upon which a new policy might be made.
Abstract
A new paradigm is required for the United States and the world to be protected from WMD. Current U.S. nuclear weapons policies respond to threats that have gone since the end of the Cold War. However, new threats are emerging. The goals of U.S. policies should now be protecting citizens and allies from those WMD that already exist, whatever their national origin; and containing the further spread of WMD and the technologies which make them and their delivery vehicles widely available. Also important are eliminating chemical and biological weapons and establishing controls on all nations' nuclear weapons and nuclear materials. U.S. policies should be considered holistically -- incorporating objectives with regard to all types of WMD, and individually -- using a mix of military strategy, diplomatic, and political arrangements to regulate and reduce all lethal capabilities for WMD. WMD are a relatively weak instrument in the United States policy arsenal. The United States should prevent lesser powers and non-state actors from gaining a capability to threaten or use WMD and, failing that, avail itself of all necessary means to defend against those who do. Defenses against WMD should be multi-layered to address a multi-faceted threat. The sole role of U.S. nuclear weapons should be to deter the use of WMD by others, and the United States should reduce its nuclear arsenal in accordance with this guidance. The United States should state that if deterrence fails, it would defend its territory, allies, and vital interests by all available means. Finally, the United States should continue to seek to strengthen the multinational regime of treaties, agreements, and organizations working to limit the proliferation of WMD capabilities.