SAME AS IT EVER WAS: PERSISTING CHALLENGES WITHIN THE NUCLEAR SECURITY ENTERPRISE
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Authors
Labrum, Joseph H.
Subjects
nuclear weapons
nuclear security enterprise
Nuclear Posture Review
National Nuclear Security Administration
Department of Energy
Department of Defense
nuclear stockpile
stockpile stewardship
nuclear strategy
strategic environment
great power competition
nuclear deterrence
deterrence strategy
Russian nuclear program
Chinese nuclear program
nuclear modernization
nuclear security enterprise
Nuclear Posture Review
National Nuclear Security Administration
Department of Energy
Department of Defense
nuclear stockpile
stockpile stewardship
nuclear strategy
strategic environment
great power competition
nuclear deterrence
deterrence strategy
Russian nuclear program
Chinese nuclear program
nuclear modernization
Advisors
Wirtz, James J.
Date of Issue
2024-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis explores the challenges and strategic implications faced by the nuclear security enterprise in the context of the evolving global nuclear landscape since the end of nuclear testing in 1992. It delves into the impact of significant reductions in the U.S. nuclear arsenal, the decision to end nuclear testing, and the halting of new nuclear weapons design on the nuclear security enterprise’s capabilities and knowledge transfer. The research addresses two primary questions: Since the end of nuclear testing in 1992, what are the persisting challenges seen within the nuclear security enterprise as the United States drew down the nuclear stockpile, and is the current stockpile meeting U.S. strategic requirements today? Through a comprehensive review of Nuclear Posture Reviews across the William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack H. Obama, Donald J. Trump, and Joseph R. Biden administrations, the thesis provides insights into the continuity and changes in nuclear weapons policy, the role of nuclear deterrence, and the strategic responses to emerging nuclear threats from global powers. It underscores the significance of a modernized and resilient nuclear security enterprise to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent in the face of new challenges posed by great power competition and evolving security dynamics.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.