Journal Article - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The Overwhelming Case for No First Use

| Jan. 13, 2020

Abstract

The arguments in favor of the United States' declaring that the only purpose of its nuclear weapons is to deter others who possess them from using theirs — in other words, that in no circumstances will this country use nuclear weapons first — are far stronger than the arguments against this stance. It must be hoped that the next US administration will take this no-first-use step promptly.

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

Holdren, John P. "The Overwhelming Case for No First Use." Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, vol. 76. no. 1. (January 13, 2020): 3–7 .

The Author

John P. Holdren

John P. Holdren

  • Teresa and John Heinz Research Professor of Environmental Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Co-Director, Science, Technology and Public Policy Program
  • Member of the Board, Belfer Center
  • President Obama's Science Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (January 2009 – January 2017)
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