nuclear capabilities successfully deter

Finally, Nordic and other European states should revisit their fundamental assumptions around nuclear deterrence. This includes critically examining the claims often presented by nuclear-armed states as to what nuclear capabilities successfully deter. This is especially pertinent given the discourse about deterrence in Europe connected to the war in Ukraine. The list of behaviours that nuclear weapons have historically been said to have deterred is long, and is an important factor in justifying nuclear modernization plans. As Nordic states take steps to strengthen NATO’s nuclear deterrence, they could consider engaging in discussions in venues that more openly acknowledge the complexities and explore the risks related to the deterrence paradigm. These include the recent findings of expert networks, or the ongoing work by states parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to research ‘risks and assumptions that are inherent in nuclear deterrence’ สล็อตเว็บตรง