The Future of Nuclear Weapons and Missile Defense in NATO Security Strategy
Discussion featuring:
Hon. Ellen Tauscher, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs
Amb. Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman, Munich Conference on Security Policy
Mr. Franklin Miller, Principal, The Scowcroft Group
Dr. Steve Flanagan, Senior Vice President and Kissinger Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies (moderator)
On November 8, 2010, the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the United States Institute of Peace jointly-hosted a discussion on the future of NATO's nuclear forces and the role of missile defense in NATO's strategic planning.
During the Cold War, the U.S. stationed thousands of nuclear weapons in Europe in order to support the common defense of NATO members in Europe. The end of the Cold War and recent "reset" in relations with Russia, combined with the reinvigorated push to reduce the prevalence of nuclear weapons worldwide, has led some to think differently about what NATO's nuclear priorities should be and, by logical extension, what to do with the several hundred nuclear weapons currently based in Europe. Historically, the basing of these weapons by five countries was considered an essential aspect of sharing the burdens of defense among alliance members, and nuclear weapons continue to play a role - even if largely symbolic - in affirming alliance solidarity. Today, however, there is also a parallel objective of sharing in making contributions to the goals of improving relations with Russia and furthering the process of nuclear disarmament. With NATO's new Strategic Concept set to be released later in the month, the three distinguished panelists presented their views on how to balance these objectives and on other issues related to how NATO should adapt to the new security environment.
PONI Debates the Issues Event Recap
Post-event interview with Wolfgang Ischinger and Steve Flanagan
Inquiries about the event should be directed to Mark Jansson at mjansson@csis.org or 202-775-3286.
