The Nuclear Postures of Small-Arsenal States

Analysts in the United States and Soviet Union devoted significant time, attention, and resources to understanding the other’s nuclear posture – that is, the structure and envisioned employment doctrine of its nuclear forces – throughout the Cold War. Significantly less time and attention, however, was spent on examining the nuclear posture of small-arsenal states: actors such as India, Pakistan, China, North Korea, France, Britain, South Africa and Israel containing comparatively fewer nuclear weapons and nuclear delivery systems.

Led by Professor Vipin Narang, this project begins filling the gap. Dr. Narang’s research focuses on the causes and effects of nuclear postures among the regional nuclear powers. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, Dr. Narang’s work promises to help policymakers and scholars alike understand the logic underlying different nuclear postures and thus the prospects for stability among the nuclear powers.