Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Definition

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at reducing the number of strategic nuclear weapons and delivery systems. This treaty was significant during the late Cold War period as it represented a shift toward arms control and diplomacy, particularly in the context of the declining tensions that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START I, was signed on July 31, 1991, and came into force on December 5, 1994.
2. START I mandated a significant reduction in the nuclear arsenals of both the U.S. and Russia, limiting the number of deployed strategic warheads to approximately 6,000 each.
3. The treaty included comprehensive verification measures, allowing both parties to monitor compliance through on-site inspections and data exchanges.
4. START negotiations were influenced by broader changes in international relations, including reforms in the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev and the push for more cooperative security measures.
5. The success of START I set a precedent for future arms control agreements, including the follow-up treaties like START II and New START.

Review Questions

• How did the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty reflect changes in U.S.-Soviet relations during its time?
  • The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty reflected a significant thawing in U.S.-Soviet relations during a period marked by changing political landscapes. As both nations moved towards arms control and diplomatic engagement, START represented a commitment to reduce nuclear arsenals amidst decreasing tensions. This shift was largely influenced by domestic reforms in the Soviet Union under Gorbachev and a mutual recognition of the dangers posed by excessive nuclear stockpiles.
• Discuss the key provisions of START I and their impact on U.S. and Russian nuclear capabilities.
  • START I aimed to drastically reduce the number of deployed strategic warheads to around 6,000 for both the U.S. and Russia while introducing verification measures such as on-site inspections. This marked a pivotal change in how both nations approached their nuclear arsenals, shifting from an emphasis on building more weapons to managing existing ones responsibly. The reduction of warheads not only aimed to enhance global security but also demonstrated a willingness to engage in cooperative arms control efforts.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in shaping contemporary international security frameworks.
  • The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty holds long-term significance as it laid foundational principles for future arms control agreements and set precedents for cooperation in international security. By establishing verification protocols and reducing nuclear stockpiles, START fostered trust between former adversaries and encouraged further dialogue on disarmament. This legacy continues today as nations grapple with nuclear proliferation issues, emphasizing that cooperative arms control can contribute significantly to global stability and peace.

Related terms

Nuclear Deterrence: A military strategy that aims to prevent an adversary from taking action by the threat of retaliatory nuclear attack.

Cold War:

A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflict, military competition, and proxy wars.

Arms Control: International agreements that regulate and limit the development, production, stockpiling, and deployment of weapons, particularly nuclear arms.