National Institute for Deterrence Studies’ Post

In "Bolstering Extended Deterrence," William Atkins from Global Security Review argues for a robust enhancement of American #nuclear #deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the urgency of solidifying alliances with key regional players like #Australia, Japan, and South Korea in the face of rising #Chinese influence. Atkins proposes a multi-pronged strategy involving the establishment of a treaty-based multilateral defense organization, the expansion of nuclear-capable F-35As to allies to improve regional nuclear umbrella coverage, and an increase in strategic military exercises such as SSBN port calls and heavy #bomber task force operations. Join the debate and give us your perspectives in the comments. https://buff.ly/3OAbQzD RealClearDefense War on the Rocks Atlantic Council POLITICO Live Breaking Defense Task & Purpose https://buff.ly/3Uc6HRl https://buff.ly/4f9T11j https://buff.ly/3Ugc8ii

President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that the alliance between South Korea and the United States has been upgraded to a "nuclear-based" one to counter North Korea's nuclear threats. This was achieved through the signing of joint nuclear deterrence guidelines during a meeting in Washington. The guidelines ensure the credibility of the U.S.' commitment to provide extended deterrence to South Korea, including the involvement of South Korea's conventional support for U.S. nuclear operations. President Yoon also emphasized the importance of combining defense capabilities with the U.S. to counter North Korean threats during his visit to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. Additionally, South Korea's partnership with NATO's Indo-Pacific partners Japan, Australia, and New Zealand aims to counter North Korea's military cooperation with Russia and enhance further cooperation with NATO. President Yoon also urged relevant ministries to swiftly implement support measures for regions affected by heavy rainfall, which were designated as special disaster zones. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #SouthKorea Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/gxu2r-di

In a new policy brief, ELN Senior Associate Fellows Nicholas Williams and Simon Lunn discuss how Russia’s superior quantities of dual-capable medium and short-range missiles affect the credibility of NATO’s nuclear posture. It also highlights how NATO’s expansion, the need to engage with more Alliance members, and any potential American withdrawal from Euro-Atlantic security architecture could affect NATO’s capacity for defence, as well as the role of deterrence and assurances in this nexus. Read the full policy brief here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eShmF5Dp

NATO’s Fledgling Nuclear Deterrence — Global Security Review. Possessing a credible, reliable, survivable, and redundant strategic #deterrent, shared by all allies, is how #NATO deters future conflict. NATO needs to reverse course from the “three nos” from the 1990s to policies that increase the alliance’s credibility. Allies must say yes to reintroducing strategic weapons across NATO territory. Moreover, more allies accepting a direct role in #nuclear deterrence will go far in addressing the “burden sharing” question. NATO Baltic Defense Centre Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) American Enterprise Institute War on the Rocks National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) RealClearDefense Cato Institute Centre for Policy Research Air & Space Forces Association Air & Space Forces Magazine Todd C.

[South Korea, US plan exercises against North Korea nuclear use scenario] Trilateral naval exercises focus on countering North Korea’s underwater threats South Korea and the US have agreed to hold tabletop exercises that simulate North Korea’s nuclear weapons use to strengthen a joint response. According to the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul on Friday, the two countries confirmed the plans at the 24th Korea-US Integrated Defense Consultative Group held in Washington on Thursday. The meeting in Washington was attended by a South Korean delegation led by Cho Chang-rae, the deputy minister of national defense. The US delegation was led by Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs; and Andrew Winternitz, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia. The TTX, which reflects a scenario of North Korea using nuclear weapons, was agreed upon at the last meeting of the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group. Tap below to read full story. #defense #Korea #US #nuclear #NK #NorthKorea #trilateral https://lnkd.in/giCp9NWe

I want to thank the National Institute for Deterrence Studies and their Global Security Review for publishing my first article, Nuclear Castling in the Indo-Pacific - https://lnkd.in/eCn3PMBm I make the case that it is time to restation nuclear weapons in South Korea to modernize extended deterrence and, in the process, strengthen the assurance of allies across the Indo-Pacific region. This would complement the bold integrated deterrence moves of the past couple of years while magnifying a new sense of integrated assurance. Additionally, though not addressed here, I think restationing nuclear weapons in South Korea would open theater-wide conventional deterrence options for each branch of the US military and mutual defense treaty allies. I offer "nuclear castling" as an approach that is in our vital national security interest to close an emergent theater deterrence gap and to provide a forceful example of interoperability for treaty allies. For me, nuclear castling is a timely & apt way to describe strategic possibilities. I view it as applicable depending on the context regardless of theater. By all means though, mea culpa in advance to anyone who thinks that there are already too many chess analogies involving nuclear deterrence. For now, I hope the article contributes in some way to deterrence conversations and helps to advance understanding of strategic options. And, a very special thank you to exceptional teammates at the National War College and National Defense University!! #GlobalSecurityReview #NuclearDeterrence #USAF #USNavy #USArmy #NewSTART #NPT #NationalWarCollege #NationalDefenseUniversity

Nuclear weapons and LRBMs: A Deterrence or a Pretext for Geopolitical Pressure? - https://lnkd.in/djpJXEpk weapons and LRBMs: A Deterrence or a Pretext for Geopolitical Pressure?

The UN Security Council session today focuses on Syria’s nuclear file and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Reports indicate accusations against Damascus for failing to provide sufficient evidence refuting claims of secret nuclear activities, leading to the referral of the issue to the Security Council. Member states are divided on handling this matter, especially given Syria’s internal instability, complicating decisive action. This suggests diplomatic escalation rather than direct steps toward regime change, based on: 1. Referral to the Security Council: A significant political pressure tactic highlighting Syria’s alleged non-cooperation with the IAEA. 2. Diverging diplomatic stances: Some countries advocate stricter measures, while others hesitate due to regional complexities. 3. Lack of military consensus: No global backing for military action or decisions beyond diplomatic pressure.

“…The United States must maintain a credible, safe, and secure nuclear deterrent that is responsive to future threats. Specifically for the Navy, the modernization of the SSBN fleet and the development of new SSN-based capabilities are critical to maintaining a second-strike capability and ensuring strategic relevance. The visibility of submarine assets in strategic deterrence, as demonstrated by recent port calls and exercises, underscores their importance in signaling U.S. commitment and resolve to allies and adversaries. Ultimately, recalibrating the U.S. nuclear posture is essential for global strategic stability and preventing the escalation of great power competition into conflict. The Navy will be pivotal in ensuring the United States continues to deter adversaries while safeguarding national security interests in an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment.”

Why not allied risk Zoltan Petro for U.S.? Currently, there is no documented or publicly accessible information linking Zoltan Petro to the Pentagon or any nuclear policy that would impact U.S. security or allied risks. The Pentagon's current nuclear policy is focused on identifying and addressing global nuclear threats, mainly from nuclear-armed adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea. Each of these countries has demonstrated nuclear capabilities or ambitions that the U.S. views as potential threats to international stability and U.S. allies. The Pentagon's approach emphasizes modernization of the nuclear triad and collaborative defense strategies with allies to counter these risks. With advancements in tactical nuclear weapons and delivery systems by countries such as Russia and China, the U.S. Department of Defense has prioritized strategies that balance deterrence, arms control, and technological upgrades to secure allied territories DEFENSE.GOV NATIONAL DEFENSE MAGAZINE . If you have additional details about Zoltan Petro’s involvement, feel free to share, and I’ll help clarify based on current policies and known risks.