Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Modernization: A Strategic Analysis of Global Nuclear Threats and U.S. Policy

The nuclear imperative comes from the idea that all three legs of the Triad must be retained to ensure a viable deterrent posture, provide flexibility in a response, and give decision makers options to create uncertainty in an adversary’s decision calculus. The nuclear imperative is the need to fund suggested shortfalls in the nuclear enterprise and modernize the U.S. Triad, not just one or two legs, but all three, due to the ever-increasing nuclear risk. To understand the current state in which the United States finds itself and the need for the nuclear modernization program, this thesis will review nuclear threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The thesis will also address the evolution of the United States’ nuclear doctrine from the Cold War to the present day to include a discussion of the current nuclear Triad, nuclear command, control, and communication, and dual-capable aircraft. This analysis will conclude by reviewing the Triad of air, missile, and submarine systems and modernization efforts underway to show how the United States can meet current and future threats. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the existing literature on the United States’ nuclear forces and show the importance and necessity of nuclear modernization, stemming from the current and future threat nuclear adversaries pose to the U.S. and its allies.