Obama Administration's Nuclear Weapon Strategy: The Promises of Prague

This book evaluates Obama's nuclear weapons policies, developments, and initiatives from 2008-2012, assessing the extent to which he upheld the Prague Speech's goals and differentiated himself from the Bush Administration. It also evaluates his dealings with other states.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book comprehensively outlines and evaluates the key Obama nuclear weapons policies, developments, and initiatives from 2008 to 2012. Beginning with the administration's vision and goals posited in the 2009 Prague Speech and reaffirmed in the National Security Strategy of 2010, the book assesses the congressionally mandated Nuclear Posture Review, the New START Treaty, the pursuit of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty ratification, the Proliferation Security Initiative, the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Review Conference, the Global Nuclear Security Summit, and the extent to which Obama, in the context of such initiatives, has actually upheld the lofty goals posited in Prague and differentiated himself from the nuclear path pursued by the Bush Administration. Additionally, the book evaluates the Obama Administration's dealings with other states in the context of its nuclear weapons policy, particularly North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Israel, India, and China. Offering a comprehensive analysis of the current status of the US nuclear weapons strategy, this volume will be of great interest to scholars and students of American foreign policy, security studies, and international relations.

Introduction:
The Obama administration's nuclear weapons policies, developments, and initiatives from 2008 to 2012 have been a subject of significant scrutiny and debate. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these policies, developments, and initiatives, examining their vision, goals, and outcomes in the context of American foreign policy, security studies, and international relations.

Vision and Goals:
The Obama administration's nuclear weapons policies were shaped by its vision of a world free from nuclear weapons and a commitment to reducing the threat of nuclear proliferation. The Prague Speech of 2009, in which President Obama declared his intention to pursue a nuclear-free world, set the tone for the administration's nuclear policy. The National Security Strategy of 2010 further outlined the administration's goals, including the reduction of nuclear weapons, the prevention of nuclear proliferation, and the promotion of international security and stability.

Nuclear Posture Review:
The Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) is a congressionally mandated review of the United States' nuclear weapons strategy, posture, and force structure. The Obama administration conducted the first NPR in 2010, which assessed the effectiveness of the previous administration's nuclear policies and identified areas for improvement. The NPR recommended a reduction in the number of nuclear weapons, the modernization of the nuclear arsenal, and the development of new nuclear delivery systems.

New START Treaty:
The New START Treaty is a bilateral arms control agreement between the United States and Russia that limits the number of nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles. The Obama administration signed the treaty in 2010 and it was ratified by the Senate in 2011. The treaty has been seen as a significant step towards reducing nuclear tensions between the two superpowers and promoting stability in the global nuclear arsenal.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Ratification:
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty that prohibits the conduct of nuclear tests. The Obama administration has been a strong advocate for the CTBT and has worked to promote its ratification. However, the treaty has faced resistance from some countries, including China and Russia, and has not yet been ratified.

Proliferation Security Initiative:
The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is a multilateral initiative that aims to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems. The Obama administration has been a key player in the PSI, providing financial and technical support to countries that are working to prevent the proliferation of WMD.

Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty:
The Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) is a multilateral treaty that prohibits the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. The Obama administration has been a strong advocate for the FMCT and has worked to promote its ratification. However, the treaty has faced resistance from some countries, including China and Russia, and has not yet been ratified.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Review Conference:
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Review Conference (NPRC) is an annual conference that brings together countries from around the world to discuss nuclear non-proliferation issues. The Obama administration has attended the NPRC and has worked to promote the adoption of measures to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

Global Nuclear Security Summit:
The Global Nuclear Security Summit (GNSS) is a biennial conference that brings together world leaders to discuss global nuclear security issues. The Obama administration has attended the GNSS and has worked to promote the adoption of measures to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

Obama's Nuclear Policies and Differentiation from the Bush Administration:
The Obama administration has sought to differentiate itself from the nuclear policies of the Bush Administration. The Obama administration has emphasized the importance of diplomacy and multilateralism in addressing nuclear issues, and has worked to build relationships with countries that were previously seen as adversaries. The Obama administration has also taken a more cautious approach to nuclear weapons development and deployment, emphasizing the need for verification and arms control measures.

Dealings with Other States in the Context of Nuclear Weapons Policy:
The Obama administration has had dealings with a number of other states in the context of its nuclear weapons policy. These dealings have included negotiations with North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Israel, India, and China. The Obama administration has sought to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in these countries, while also working to address their security concerns.

Conclusion:
The Obama administration's nuclear weapons policies, developments, and initiatives from 2008 to 2012 have been a subject of significant scrutiny and debate. This book has provided a comprehensive analysis of these policies, developments, and initiatives, examining their vision, goals, and outcomes in the context of American foreign policy, security studies, and international relations. The Obama administration has sought to differentiate itself from the nuclear policies of the Bush Administration, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, multilateralism, and arms control measures. The Obama administration has also had dealings with a number of other states in the context of its nuclear weapons policy, seeking to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation while also addressing their security concerns.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 233 x 154 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138490093