On April 8th 2010, President Obama and President Medvedev signed New START, a nuclear weapons treaty designed to increase transparency and decrease deployed nuclear forces. While tension between Russia and the U.S. has inhibited diplomatic engagement on most issues, both countries are still working towards the agreed goal of 1550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads by February 2018. But as we celebrate the national security benefits of New START, looking past the agreement towards the future of nuclear arms control requires a crystal ball.
Front and Center March 30 to April 10, 2015
An update on arms control, national security & politics from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
Congress is abusing its ‘power of the purse’
After the Republican-controlled House and Senate passed budget resolutions with massive off-budget increases for defense, it’s clear Congress is under the illusion that it’s carrying a Birkin bag with a black Amex inside a Prada wallet.
Six Years Post-Prague
Before we dig the grave on Obama’s Prague promises just yet, let us remember he has over a year and a half to make bold progress and improve his legacy of sensible nuclear weapons policies. And, from Cuba to climate change to immigration, Obama has proved he is refusing to act like a lame duck.
Don’t worry, defense hawks – U.S. has more deployed nukes than Russia again
On April 1, 2015 the State Department released an updated New START Treaty Aggregate Numbers of Strategic Offensive Arms report, indicating that all is right in the world: the United States has more strategic offensive arms than Russia, once again.
