Nuclear Weapons: Theory, Strategy and Politics

U.S. nuclear policy and strategy is subject to intense debate in Washington, D.C. especially in the U.S. Congress. In reality, there has been far more consensus than divergence about the basic fundamentals of U.S. nuclear strategy and the nuclear force posture needed to implement that strategy.

Where disagreements flare, deterrence theory and the assumptions one makes about how nuclear deterrence works can help explain why this has become a divisive issue. This presentation will provide an update on U.S. nuclear policy and modernization efforts and offer a framework for understanding what may appear to be an enduring debate over nuclear weapons in our nation's capital.

Dr. Robert Soofer is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, supporting the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities by developing strategies, creating policies, and conducting oversight of national nuclear policy, treaty negotiations, and missile defense policy. Dr. Soofer served as strategic forces policy advisor, in this capacity he was a senior advisor to the Republican caucus during Senate consideration of the 2010 New START Treaty. He also served as a Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA) and as Professional Staff Member on the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Dr. Soofer received his Doctorate in International Relations from the University of Southern California (1987) and is a graduate of the National War College (1994). He received the Department of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Medal and is the author of Missile Defenses and Western European Security (Greenwood Press, 1988).