The Overwhelming Case for No First Use

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Published: Jan. 13, 2020

Members of the 576th Flight Test Squadron monitor an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III missile March 27, 2015, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The intercontinental ballistic missile test launch program demonstrates the operational credibility of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

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.

Recommended 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 .