New Study Explores the Role of Nuclear Deterrence in NATO
A recent study conducted by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and Tampere University examines the pivotal role of nuclear deterrence within NATO. The report provides an overview of the structure and trends of the international nuclear order, the basics of NATO's nuclear deterrence and its implementation, and decision-making related to the alliance's nuclear weapons policy. This thoroughly researched report offers a clear and accessible guide to understanding NATO as a nuclear alliance.
The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has propelled nuclear deterrence back to the forefront of international security. The current international nuclear order is primarily defined by practices that maintain nuclear deterrence, overshadowing rapidly eroding arms control regimes. This shift has significant implications for NATO.
Although NATO's focus has predominantly been on conventional deterrence, for the first time in decades, the Alliance is strengthening nuclear deterrence efforts, including nuclear sharing. For example, the United States is replacing the B61 bombs it deployed in Europe with a new version, and allies are in the process of acquiring F-35 fighter jets for operational nuclear missions. The overall legitimacy of nuclear deterrence has also been enhanced. However, NATO has not significantly altered the parameters of its post-Cold War nuclear deterrence policy.
Non-nuclear allies, such as Finland, can participate in NATO's nuclear decision-making and conventional measures supporting nuclear weapons missions. In recent years, the Alliance has called for the widest possible involvement of allies in various forms of NATO's nuclear deterrence policy.
As far as nuclear policy is concerned, NATO as an alliance is diverse. Allies cannot be clearly divided into specific tribes or groups. Members have considerable flexibility in determining their level of participation in the Alliance's nuclear deterrence policy.
Finland's potential approaches to NATO’s nuclear deterrence policy range from a passive, low-ambition stance to a highly active strategy aimed at expanding NATO’s current approach. Additionally, Finland is expected to play a proactive role in arms control discussions within the Alliance.
Inquiries: Senior Research Fellow Matti Pesu, Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Tel. +358 50 355 8845, [email protected].
This publication was produced as part of the implementation of the Government's 2023 plan for analysis, assessment and research. The content of the reports published in the publication series of the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities is the responsibility of the producers of the data in question and does not necessarily represent the view of the Government. For more information, visit https://tietokayttoon.fi/en.
