Report

Report on Discouraging a Cascade of Nuclear Weapons States

    Authors:
  • Dr. Gordon Oehler
  • Dr. Michael R. Anastasio
  • VADM Robert Monroe (USN Ret)
  • Dr. Keith B. Payne
  • Dr. Robert Pfaltzgraff
  • Dr. William Schneider
  • Dr. William Van Cleave
| October 19, 2007

This report of the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) responds to former U/S Robert Joseph's request that the ISAB undertake such a study. The report was drafted by a Task Force chaired by Dr. Gordon Oehler. It was reviewed by all ISAB members and unanimously approved at a plenary meeting on October 19, 2007.

The ISAB's research and discussions with experts, both foreign and domestic, has concluded that a nuclear weapons cascade is not inevitable. While the probability of a cascade is modest, neither can it be dismissed.

The ISAB has identified nineteen recommendations designed to reduce the chances of a cascade both now and in the future. All nineteen recommendations should be given serious attention, but the following are some of the priority recommendations:

  1. Strengthen the NPT.
  2. Shorten the time between detection of an NPT infraction and reporting to the UN Security Council.
  3. Develop targeted strategies to drive U.S. nonproliferation policy development and actions.
  4. Convene regional nonproliferation conferences.
  5. Ensure that the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains strong.

The full text of the report (including all nineteen recommendations) can be accessed through the attached document and link below.

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The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation: Oehler, Gordon, Ashton B. Carter, Michael R. Anastasio, Robert Monroe, Keith B. Payne, Robert Pfaltzgraff, William Schneider, and William Van Cleave. “Report on Discouraging a Cascade of Nuclear Weapons States.” Edited by International Security Advisory Board (ISAB). , October 19, 2007.

The Authors

Ash Carter

Ash Carter

  • Former Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Former Belfer Professor of Technology and Global Affairs
  • Former Faculty Director, Technology and Public Purpose Project
  • Former Member of the Board, Belfer Center
  • Former Faculty Affiliate, Project on Managing the Atom
  • Former United States Secretary of Defense (2015-2017)
Expertise:

Dr. Gordon Oehler

Dr. Michael R. Anastasio

VADM Robert Monroe (USN Ret)

Dr. Keith B. Payne

Dr. Robert Pfaltzgraff

Dr. William Schneider

Dr. William Van Cleave

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