Robert L. Gallucci, Vipin Narang, & Pranay Vaddi | Foreign Affairs
Robert L. Gallucci
As the world has become more multipolar over the last 75 years, so, too, have the nuclear threats to the United States. Today, China, North Korea, and Russia point their missiles, armed with thermonuclear warheads, at the American homeland. The task of extending nuclear deterrence to allies has also become more complicated for Washington. Those allies, including Japan and South Korea, are concerned that U.S. credibility is not what it once was and are now considering acquiring nuclear arsenals of their own.
Narang and Vaddi Reply
We agree with Robert Gallucci that the risk of a nuclear arms race must be considered when presidents make decisions regarding nuclear strategy, policy, posture, and capabilities. But it is not the United States that is drastically expanding its nuclear arsenal or introducing new and destabilizing capabilities; China and Russia are doing so. Both continue to enhance their strategic and nonstrategic arsenals, with China developing fractional orbital bombardment systems—weapons placed in low-earth orbit to elude missile defenses—and Russia seeking nuclear-powered cruise missiles and nuclear-armed antisatellite weapons, among other capabilities. All these present new deterrence challenges that demand a new approach from the United States. Business as usual will threaten American national security.
From Foreign Affairs