U.S. Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Europe after NATO's Lisbon Summit: Why Their Withdrawal Is Desirable and Feasible

Abstract

In this paper we describe how, over the past two decades, the usefulness of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons that are forward-deployed in Europe has gradually declined, and we explain the logic behind their decreased importance. We then list the main arguments in favor of the continuation of this trend until they are completely eliminated over the next couple of years, while subsequently investigating what the reasons are for NATO's desire to prolong its reliance on these weapons in the future. In the final part of this paper, we analyze the political feasibility of their complete withdrawal, explain what the political practicalities of such a withdrawal would be, and end with several concluding remarks.