nuclear posture

New Nukes, New Missions, New Insecurities: Implications of the Nuclear Posture Review for Europe

6 November 2017

Maxwell Downman, Nuclear Policy Analyst

The US’ Nuclear Posture Review, to be published early next year, will make decisions on modernising the US nuclear arsenal that could impact on systems operational until the end of the century. Speculation abounds, and many fear the the NPR could expand the size and remit of nuclear operations. It was reported that Congress and US allies were briefed this September on its progress. According to Julian Borger of The Guardian, the NPR is considering:

United States inconsistency complicates cooperation with Russia on DPRK

19 April 2017

Anthony Rinna

Setting the tone for a potential shift in the US's policy of multilateral cooperation over North Korea, Joseph Yun, the US Special Representative for North Korea, visited Moscow from April 4-6. There he met with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov, where both parties expressed mutual concerns over North Korea's developing missile program.  

US and the INF Treaty: Testing NATO: 3rd April 2017

3 April 2017

Maxwell Downman, Nuclear Policy Analyst

The US response to Russia’s supposed violation of the INF Treaty is a litmus test for the Trump administration’s approach to arms controls and strategic stability. It will give a clear indication of the Administration’s attitude towards relations with Russia, its NATO allies and to arms control more generally.

Nuclear Ascendency: The Emerging Importance of Nuclear Weapons for Trump’s Foreign Policy Coalition: 8 March 2017

13 March 2017

Maxwell Downman, Nuclear Policy Analyst

Some clarity has started to emerge on how important the military and nuclear weapons are to the new administration. On 28th February, Trump announced a ‘historic increase in defense spending to rebuild the depleted military,’ and reports talked of a 10% increase. His $603 billion budget is to be funded by cuts to the State Department and US foreign aid. And the White House is expected to publish detailed proposals by the end of March.  

Trump's Nuclear Rhetoric and its implications for European Security: 27 Feb 2017

27 February 2017

Maxwell Downman, Nuclear Policy Analyst

Trump’s Nuclear Rhetoric and its implications for European Security

Further questions were raised over the direction of US nuclear posture review last week. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Trump opined that the US has 'fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity' and pledged the US to be 'top of the pack' when it comes to nuclear weapons.

Implications of US Nuke Debate for UK

15 February 2017

Paul Ingram, Executive Director

BASIC's Executive Director, Paul Ingram, recently authored an article in the Huffington Post which reviews President Trump's inconsistent messages with regards to US nuclear policy. Paul explores the potential repercussions of US nuclear posture on decision-making in Westminster and further afield.

"The salience of the nuclear weapons debate in the United States and further afield has risen dramatically in recent months, with much to play for."

Read the full article here.

Conference Videos: Impact of Emerging Technologies on the the Future of SSBN's

17 November 2016

On 13th September 2016, BASIC, British Pugwash and the University of Leicester hosted The impact of Emerging Technologies on the Future of SSBNs in Whitehall, London. The conference welcomed contributions from 15 scientific experts and strategic thinkers on the implications of major advances in sonar, non-acoustic detection, new forms of undersea communications and autonomous maritime drones for sea-based deterrence.

Monday's Trident Debate: What was mentioned, what was left out?

19 July 2016

Sebastian Brixey-Williams, Programme Director

On Monday night, MPs voted 472 to 117 to replace UK’s Trident nuclear weapons system, following a five and half hour Parliamentary debate. The atmosphere was tense; the united SNP benches made an impassioned case against Trident from across the room, while the Conservatives all voted in favour, but for the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee who voted against the motion. Many arguments were aired both for and against Trident. But what kind of arguments did the MPs make?

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