Description
This paper delves into the enduring principles of deterrence policy as they apply to Radical Islamists and their state sponsors. It concludes that the current stockpile is ineffective and unsuitable for deterring transnational Radical Islamist organizations and their state sponsors. It suggests that the US has been effectively self-deterred by imposing unnecessary limitations throughout the Nuclear Security Enterprise, making it less responsive and unfit for 21st century realities. US will is perceived to have declined to the point that capabilities are being affected. A vision of a future nuclear arsenal better equipped to deal with the threat is offered, the threat itself defined, and suggestions are made to enhance the robustness of the nuclear enterprise and enable it to respond effectively to future threats.
