Deep Cuts - Challenges for U . S . Conventional Extended Deterrence

Deep nuclear cuts will have repercussions for the alignment and credibility of U.S. security commitments in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Assuming that deterrence remains the name of the game in international politics, this article explores alternatives to U.S. extended nuclear deterrence. It does so by identifying and examining the issues policymakers would have to deal with in Europe and Asia to enable a sustainable transition from nuclear to conventional extended deterrence. Ultimately it argues that, whilst such a transition might be possible in the long term, designing such a posture for the United States is highly challenging: deep nuclear reductions will not only have to be supplanted by a credible conventional deterrent, but also incorporate sustainable, multilateral conventional arms control regimes.