Weapons of Mass Destruction, Strategic Deterrence, and Great Power Competition

Authors

Paul I. Bernstein, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Justin Anderson, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Diane DiEuliis, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute of National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Gerald L. Epstein, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Amanda Moodie, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

Weapons of mass destruction (WMD)—nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and the means to deliver them—are an important feature of the global security environment and a key element of Great Power competition. For Russia and China, WMD contribute to multiple goals: conflict deterrence at the strategic and regional levels; regime survival; coercion of rival states; and, potentially, as an adjunct to conventional forces to support operations. U.S-Russia competition in nuclear weapons has been constrained in recent decades by various arms control agreements, but the erosion of this regulatory regime in the context of deteriorating bilateral relations could create new competitive pressures. China has elevated the importance of its nuclear forces, modernized and expanded its strategic nuclear capabilities, and fielded a growing number of dual-capable theater-range missile systems whose role (whether conventional or nuclear) in a future crisis or conflict could complicate deterrence and heighten escalation risks. China and Russia may perceive chemical and biological warfare agents, including agents developed through new scientific and manufacturing techniques, as important capabilities for a range of operations against the United States and its allies. Chemical or biological attacks could be difficult to attribute and may be well suited to support Russian and Chinese objectives in operations below the threshold of open armed conflict.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Topic(s)

Great Power Competition, Nuclear Deterrence and Escalation, Biological and Chemical Issues

Publication Date

10-2020

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, D.C.

Recommended Citation

Bernstein, Paul I.; Anderson, Justin; DiEuliis, Diane; Epstein, Gerald L.; and Moodie, Amanda, "Weapons of Mass Destruction, Strategic Deterrence, and Great Power Competition" (2020). Books and Book Chapters. 12.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/wmdcenter-books/12