A Russian Perspective on the Future of Nuclear Weapons

Abstract

Today it is commonly acknowledged that nuclear weapons are more of a political than a strictly military instrument. Their presence or absence, their sizes and types, and the scenarios which might result in their use are some of the most important expressions of governmental policy. In this respect, judgments on the future of nuclear weapons cannot be correct unless they are made with an understanding of what the policy imperatives will be for a given country and, consequently, of what the country itself will be. These considerations are particularly important when discussing the nuclear potential of the former Soviet Union; the fundamental changes which the nation is now experiencing must be taken into consideration.