US Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Europe after NATO’s Lisbon Summit: Why their Withdrawal is Desirable and Feasible

Abstract

The article describes how over the past two decades the role of US forward-deployed tactical nuclear weapons has gradually declined, and explains the logic behind their decreased importance. The main arguments in favor of the continuation of the process of their removal from Europe, until they have been entirely eliminated over the next couple of years, are listed, and the reasons for NATO's desire to nevertheless prolong its reliance on these weapons are investigated. Further, the political feasibility of their complete withdrawal and the political practicalities of such a withdrawal are analyzed.

Nuclear Strategy, Nonproliferation, and the Causes of Foreign Nuclear Deployments

“…However, like indigenous nuclear arsenals, nuclear deployments have potentially important consequences for international security and strategic stability, and are worthy of dedicated study. Foreign nuclear deployments are thought by some to strengthen military deterrence (Mearsheimer 1984), prevent indigenous nuclear proliferation (Reiter forthcoming), and increase the risks of nuclear sabotage and terrorist theft (Sauer and van der Zwaan 2011). This is the first large- N study to systematically evaluate the reasons states seek or authorize foreign nuclear deployments on their territory.…”