US Nuclear Doctrine and Post-Cold War Force Structure

President Clinton's November 1997 signing of new nuclear weapons guidelines suggests that a post-Cold War rethinking of US strategic nuclear doctrine and force structure may be taking place. This apparent evaluation of strategic nuclear paradigms must continue to include appropriate changes in force structure needs as doctrine shifts. This paper explores the foundational importance of doctrine; the doctrinal underpinnings of current US nuclear force structure; and the implications of the post Cold-War world on strategic nuclear doctrine and force structure. In addition, based on lessons we can learn from the Cold War years and the shape of our new post-Cold War world, this paper will address an emerging doctrine based a concept of pure deterrence and its force structure implications.