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nations maintain weapons and plans for their use, the relationship between the two
nations could still affect the debate about these weapons. In addition, Russian
officials have turned to these weapons as a part of their response to concerns about
a range of U.S. and NATO policies. Nevertheless, both these nations have looked
beyond their mutual relationship when considering possible threats and responses
that might include the use of nonstrategic nuclear weapons. Both nations have
highlighted the threat of the possible use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons
by other potential adversaries or non-state actors. Both have indicated that they
might use nuclear weapons to deter or respond to threats from other nations.
In addition, many analysts believe that a debate about nonstrategic nuclear
weapons can no longer focus exclusively on the U.S. and Russian arsenals. Even
though tensions have eased in recent months, with their nuclear tests in 1998 and
continued animosity towards each other, India and Pakistan have joined the list of
nations that may potentially resort to nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict. If
measured by the range of delivery vehicles and the yield of the warheads, these
nations' weapons could be considered to be nonstrategic. But each nation could plan
to use these weapons in either strategic or nonstrategic roles. Both nations continue
to review and revise their nuclear strategies, leaving many questions about the
potential role for nuclear weapons in future conflicts. China also has nuclear
weapons with ranges and missions that could be considered nonstrategic. Many
analysts have expressed concerns about the potential for the use of nuclear weapons
in a conflict over Taiwan or other areas of China's interests. This report does not
review the nuclear weapons programs in these nations.43 However, when reviewing
the issues raised by, problems attributed to, and solutions proposed for nonstrategic
nuclear weapons, the report acknowledges the role played by the weapons of these
other nations.
Issues for Congress
Although nonstrategic nuclear weapons have not held a high profile in debates
over national security or arms control debates, Congress may still address issues
raised by these weapons in its discussions of U.S. nuclear weapons policy and U.S.
nonproliferation policy. Analysts have identified several issues, or problems,
associated with the continuing deployment of U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear
weapons. They have also identified potential policy options, or solutions, that mightresolve these problems. However, they do not all agree on the importance of the
problems or the need for the solutions. This section identifies these problems and
potential solutions and reviews the contrasting opinions about them.
Issues
Safety and Security of Russian Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons.
Most analysts agree that the greatest risks from Russia's continued deployment of
nonstrategic nuclear weapons stem from potential problems with their safety and4 For a more detailed discussion of Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese nuclear weapons, see
Alexander, Brian and Alistair Millar, editors, Tactical Nuclear Weapons, op cit.
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Woolf, Amy F. Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons, report, September 9, 2004; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs6104/m1/21/: accessed May 21, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.