Conventional Stability and Nuclear-weapon Cuts in Europe

Abstract

Theatre nuclear weapons have played different roles within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Some of the roles are changing because of the new situation arising from the talks on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) in Vienna and by the future modifications in the Soviet military doctrine and science. This chapter analyses those changes, in order to determine the most logical approach to achieving the force structure and the operational concepts needed to assure a good degree of stability in Europe. In particular, it will examine whether the new situation justifies a modification in the present NATO mixed (nuclear and conventional) system of deterrence or if this system should be preserved as it assures a better stability. Finally, it will examine if it would not be more logical that this system should be adopted also by the Warsaw Pact, in view of the new European mutual, not unilateral, conception of security.