U.S. Policies on Nuclear Weapons: Doctrine
The United States has long been at the center of the global discourse on nuclear weapons, balancing its position as the first country to develop and use atomic bombs with its role as a leader in nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. U.S. nuclear weapons policy is driven by a combination of military strategy, diplomatic efforts, and global security considerations. Over time, these policies have evolved in response to changing geopolitical dynamics, technological advancements, and global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. Core Elements of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy Nuclear Deterrence Doctrine The cornerstone of U.S. nuclear policy has been nuclear deterrence . The concept is based on the idea that the threat of a devastating nuclear response prevents other states from launching a nuclear attack against the U.S. or its allies. The doctrine of deterrence seeks to convince adversaries that the cost of attacking would far exceed any potential benefit. The U.S. nuclear dete...