2010 Nuclear Posture Review

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The 2010 Nuclear Posture Review looks to analyze and reevaluate the United States’ stance on nuclear weapons under the Obama administration. The document mentions that the end goal is to create a world without nuclear weapons, but recognizes that such a feat is not achievable at the moment nor in the near future, and instead offers suggestions of how to slowly begin moving the U.S., and subsequently the rest of the world, away from nuclear weapons: 

“…We can take the practical steps identified in the 2010 NPR that will not only move us toward the ultimate goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons worldwide, but will, in their own right, reinvigorate the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, erect higher barriers to the acquisition of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials by terrorist groups, and strengthen U.S. and international security.”

The review outlines five primary goals: 

1. Preventing nuclear terrorism and proliferation
2. Reducing the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. security policy
3. Maintaining a strong deterrent
4. Reassuring allies
5. Sustaining an effective nuclear arsenal

It is noted that for the first time, preventing nuclear terrorism is placed at the top of the United States’ agenda. 

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Document entry started by Jordan Cory on August 11, 2020. Entry last updated by Jordan Cory on August 11, 2020.