James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
Combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction with training & analysis

Nuclear Doctrines in the Post-Post Cold War System

Since the late 1990s, a fresh interest in nuclear weapons has emerged among the Nuclear Weapons States, an interest many thought would diminish or disappear after the conclusion of the Cold War. The reasons for the renewed interest are varied, but several important factors include the near-simultaneous election of muscular, post-post Cold War administrations in the US and Russia, the specter of catastrophic, international terrorism, post-Cold War wars (Kosovo, Iraq), and concerns about the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs. The emergence of a new international system is ongoing, and while its ultimate shape is not yet clear, it seems apparent that nuclear weapons will continue to play an important role within it.

On December 6, 2006, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies hosted a breakfast briefing on the status of nuclear doctrines in the post-post cold war system at its Washington, D.C. offices. The featured speaker was Dr. Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow at the Monterey Institute Center for Nonproliferation Studies, and the guest commentator was Amy F. Woolf, a Specialist in National Defense at the Congressional Research Service. The program was moderated by Sandy Spector, Deputy Director of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

Return to the Press Room.