New START Treaty

Definition

The New START Treaty is a bilateral arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, aimed at reducing and limiting their strategic nuclear arsenals. It was signed in 2010 and represents a continuation of efforts to enhance global security by promoting transparency and cooperation in nuclear disarmament, while establishing verification measures to ensure compliance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New START Treaty limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 for each country, along with caps on delivery systems like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
2. It includes robust verification measures, such as on-site inspections and data exchanges, which help build trust between the United States and Russia.
3. The treaty was designed to last for ten years but can be extended for an additional five years if both parties agree.
4. New START is considered a vital component in maintaining strategic stability between the two countries, especially in light of evolving geopolitical tensions.
5. The treaty emphasizes the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing nuclear disarmament while taking into account advancements in missile defense systems.

Review Questions

• How does the New START Treaty contribute to strategic stability between the United States and Russia?
  • The New START Treaty plays a critical role in maintaining strategic stability by imposing limits on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems. This limitation helps prevent an arms race and fosters mutual trust between the two nations through established verification measures. By promoting dialogue and transparency, the treaty reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or miscalculations that could lead to conflict.
• Discuss the verification measures included in the New START Treaty and their importance for compliance.
  • Verification measures in the New START Treaty are crucial for ensuring that both the United States and Russia comply with the agreed limits on their nuclear arsenals. These measures include on-site inspections, data exchanges, and notifications regarding missile tests and changes in strategic forces. By establishing a transparent framework for monitoring compliance, these measures help build confidence between the two countries and serve as a deterrent against potential violations.
• Evaluate the impact of extending the New START Treaty on future arms control negotiations and global nuclear disarmament efforts.
  • Extending the New START Treaty would have significant implications for future arms control negotiations by providing a stable framework for dialogue between the United States and Russia. It would allow both nations to continue working together on nuclear disarmament while addressing new security challenges. An extension could also encourage other nuclear-armed states to engage in similar discussions, ultimately advancing global disarmament efforts by reinforcing the principle that arms reduction is essential for international security.

Related terms

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): A series of treaties between the United States and Russia aimed at reducing the number of strategic nuclear weapons each country possesses.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and advancing global disarmament efforts.

Verification Measures: Procedures and processes established within arms control agreements to monitor compliance and ensure that signatory nations adhere to the terms of the treaty.