U.S. Nuclear Doctrine Public

The doctrine of nuclear deterrence that leaves open the possibility of launching a "first strike" before an enemy attacks will remain the basis of U.S. policy even as new generations of nuclear weapons are introduced, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Tuesday. – Military.com

William Perry writes: In recent years, Russia and the United States have started rebuilding their Cold War nuclear arsenals, putting the world on the threshold of a dangerous new arms race. But we don’t have to repeat the perilous drama of the 20th century. We can maintain our country’s strength and security and still do away with the worst of the Cold War weapons. – New York Times

Peter Huessy writes: Arbitrarily reducing the United States’ nuclear deterrence capability to portray an image of restraint is inconsistent with the history of strategic stability and deterrence. Without the full capability, the Nuclear Triad presents in deterrence could lead to further intractable aggression by adversaries the U.S. fears most. – Real Clear Defense