New START

Definition

New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia that entered into force in 2011. It limits the number of strategic nuclear weapons that the two countries can deploy, aiming to reduce the risk of nuclear war and promote global stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New START limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads, a reduction of about 30% from the previous treaty.
2. The treaty also limits the number of deployed and non-deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments.
3. New START includes a comprehensive verification regime, with on-site inspections and data exchanges, to ensure compliance with the treaty's limits.
4. The treaty has a duration of 10 years, with the possibility of a 5-year extension, and was recently extended until 2026.
5. New START is considered an important step in maintaining strategic stability and reducing the risk of nuclear war between the United States and Russia.

Review Questions

• Explain the key objectives and provisions of the New START treaty.
  • The key objectives of the New START treaty are to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons that the United States and Russia can deploy, as well as the number of deployed and non-deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments. The treaty limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads, a reduction of about 30% from the previous treaty. It also includes a comprehensive verification regime, with on-site inspections and data exchanges, to ensure compliance with the treaty's limits. The treaty has a duration of 10 years, with the possibility of a 5-year extension, and is considered an important step in maintaining strategic stability and reducing the risk of nuclear war between the two countries.
• Analyze the significance of the New START treaty in the context of nuclear disarmament and global security.
  • The New START treaty is significant in the context of nuclear disarmament and global security for several reasons. First, it represents a continued commitment by the United States and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenals, which is crucial for promoting global stability and reducing the risk of nuclear war. By limiting the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems, the treaty helps to mitigate the potential for accidental or unauthorized launch, which could have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, the verification regime established by the treaty enhances transparency and builds trust between the two countries, fostering a more stable and predictable nuclear relationship. This, in turn, can have positive implications for broader efforts towards nuclear disarmament and the prevention of nuclear proliferation, which are essential for maintaining global security and reducing the threat of nuclear conflict.
• Evaluate the potential challenges and limitations of the New START treaty in achieving its goals of nuclear arms reduction and global stability.
  • While the New START treaty is an important step towards nuclear arms reduction and global stability, it also faces several potential challenges and limitations. One key limitation is the treaty's relatively narrow scope, as it only addresses strategic nuclear weapons and does not include non-strategic (or tactical) nuclear weapons, which also pose a significant threat. Additionally, the treaty's duration of 10 years, with the possibility of a 5-year extension, means that its long-term impact on nuclear disarmament and global security is uncertain. There are also concerns about the potential for geopolitical tensions and shifting priorities between the United States and Russia to undermine the treaty's implementation and effectiveness. Furthermore, the treaty's verification regime, while comprehensive, may not be able to fully detect or prevent potential violations or evasions by either party. Ultimately, the New START treaty represents an important step, but its ability to achieve lasting nuclear arms reduction and global stability will depend on continued political will, cooperation, and innovative approaches to address the evolving nuclear landscape.

Related terms

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): A series of bilateral agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union (later Russia) to reduce and limit strategic offensive arms.

Nuclear Disarmament: The process of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons from a country's arsenal, with the ultimate goal of complete elimination of nuclear weapons globally.

Nuclear Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons, nuclear technology, and information to nations that do not already possess them.