U.S. Extended Deterrence and Regional Nuclear Capabilities (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Aug. 8, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12735 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Anya L. Fink |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
One of the stated goals of U.S. nuclear weapons policy is to
extend deterrence to over 30 U.S. “allies and partners” and
assure these countries that the United States will come to
their aid, including potentially by using U.S. nuclear
weapons, if they are attacked. The 2010, 2018, and 2022
Nuclear Posture Reviews (NPRs), which are periodic
assessments of U.S. nuclear policy, argued for
strengthening extended deterrence and posited that such
deterrence supported U.S. nuclear nonproliferation goals.
The 2022 NPR stated:
Allies must be confident that the United States is
willing and able to deter the range of strategic
threats they face, and mitigate the risks they will
assume in a crisis or conflict.… Extended nuclear
deterrence contributes to U.S. non-proliferation
goals by giving Allies and partners confidence that
they can resist strategic threats and remain secure
without acquiring nuclear weapons of their own.
Congress authorizes and appropriates funds for, and
conducts oversight of, U.S. deterrence policies and their
implementation, as well as U.S. defense and other
cooperation with allies and partners.
