Help me with my homework (RE: US Nuclear weapons policy

[MAlibdem]

This is the choice with which I am confronted:

To ensure peace, safety, and a future, the United States must...

A. aggressively develop its nuclear weapons program, including the development of tactical nuclear weapons

B. Maintain its existing nuclear stockpile; continue research and development of nuclear weapons

C. Reduce its nuclear arsenal, but continue research and development of nuclear weapons

D. End research and development of nuclear weapons; with other countries, reduce its nuclear arsenal

E. Unilaterally eliminate its arsenal of nuclear weapons and its nuclear weapons program


I'm leaning towards C, convince me otherwise if you please...good online nuclear weapons info would also be appreciated!

[Turbineguy]

1. For me the answer is A

Nuclear weapons policy is only a small part of a much bigger policy.

Nuclear weapons deter- this has been shown.

Nuclear weapons are efficient- this has been shown.

Better, more accurate nuclear weapons contain more deterance and efficiency. They are also safer to prevent unintended use. Tactical nuclear weapons can be used in situations where strategic weapons use would have the opposite effect.

Nuclear weapons must be maintained at the leading edge of technical advancement.

There are additional benefits of spin-off technology from research.

It is the bigger policy of how we relate to others in the world that needs changing.

On Edit: check out this one: http://www.bullatomsci.org/

I used to subscribe in the 80's but did not have the time to fully appreciate it.

[Robb]

2. I think you're partially right, there...

Nuclear weapons do deter, and they are efficient -- in that I don't know another weapon that can such a profound effect on international relations without having been fired.

This applies, however, only to strategic nuclear weapons. In-theater tactical weapons have no proven benefit, no track record, and frankly offer little in the way of "new" diplomatic ammunition.

I do agree that abandoning nuclear weapons research is a risky move; these weapons exist, and must be maintained and safeguarded. New research is the economic force that can keep money flowing towards these safety efforts. The sad truth (as it relates to my previous paragraph) is that this new "smaller nuke" paradigm might indeed be the only way to foster and fund this research.

We're such silly fuckers, humans. :shrug: