► The implications of the NPR for U.S. allies and partners—who rely on American extended deterrence for their security—are significant given that the document comprehensively details the conditions and principles behind the use of nuclear weapons.  ► Even though there are growing voices within the United States that it should consult closely with allies, it is possible that this “consultat...

► Each U.S. presidential administration puts its own stamp on nuclear declaratory policy, which involves a written description of how it understands the role of the nuclear arsenal. ► The present debate concerns whether to retain a version of “calculated ambiguity,” or whether to adopt a narrower account of how nuclear weapons fit into national-security policy. ► The practical implicati...

► Those who oppose the adoption of a “no first use” policy argue that the United States should have the option to launch a nuclear attack to counter an opponent’s non-nuclear attack, which will deter the opponent’s conventional threat. ► On the other hand, advocates of the “no first use” policy stress the fact that it is unimaginable to envision a case where the United States would ...