NATO’s Nuclear Future: The Alliance’s Posture Review, Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons in Europe and Arms Control

In early 2011, NATO launched its Deterrence and Defense Posture Review, which has been tasked to define an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defense forces for the 28 nations that are members of the alliance. At a time when some suggest the alliance should reduce or eliminate U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe, the review is examining key issues surrounding NATO’s nuclear posture in the current security environment. As NATO reviews its posture, Washington and NATO will also consider how U.S. and Russian non-strategic nuclear weapons might be dealt with in an arms control context.

On July 19, the Arms Control Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion on the future of NATO’s nuclear posture and the prospects for addressing non-strategic nuclear weapons through arms control. Senior Fellow Steven Pifer, director of the Arms Control Initiative at Brookings, discussed his recent paper “NATO, Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control.” Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists and Franklin Miller of the Scowcroft Group discussed NATO’s nuclear posture and arms control possibilities. Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Angela Stent moderated the discussion.

After the program, panelists took audience questions.