Journal Article - International Security

The Dynamics of an Entangled Security Dilemma: China’s Changing Nuclear Posture

    Authors:
  • Henrik Stålhane Hiim
  • M. Taylor Fravel
  • Magnus Langset Trøan
| Spring 2023

Summary

China is modernizing and significantly expanding its nuclear forces. This fuels concern that China’s traditional nuclear strategy—premised on a limited nuclear arsenal for assured retaliation and a no-first-use policy—is undergoing a major change. The shift in the conventional balance of force in the region and the U.S. development of lower-yield nuclear weapons have led to greater fears in China of U.S. limited nuclear use in a conflict. A nuclear-conventional entangled security dilemma is emerging.

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:

Henrik Stålhane Hiim, M. Taylor Fravel, and Magnus Langset Trøan, "The Dynamics of an Entangled Security Dilemma: China’s Changing Nuclear Posture," International Security 47, no. 4 (Spring 2023): 147–187, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00457.

The Authors

Henrik Stålhane Hiim

M. Taylor Fravel

Magnus Langset Trøan

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