How to de-escalate dangerous nuclear weapons and force deployments in Europe
| Author | Frederic S Pearson,Erika Simpson |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/00207020221100712 |
| Published date | 01 March 2022 |
| Date | 01 March 2022 |
| Subject Matter | Policy Brief |
Policy Brief
International Journal
2022, Vol. 77(1) 125–136
© The Author(s) 2022
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DOI: 10.1177/00207020221100712
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How to de-escalate dangerous
nuclear weapons and force
deployments in Europe
Frederic S Pearson
Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
Erika Simpson
Political Science, Western University, London, ON, Canada
Abstract
Amidst the war in Ukraine, it is important to raise the prospect and vision of creating
mutual security guarantees and ridding Europe of its dangerous nuclear weapon
systems and provocative force deployments. In view of reckless Kremlin rhetoric and
aggressive military action in Russia’s so-called near abroad, it is time for renewed
approaches to arms control. As the Ukraine situation plays out, Russia, the United
States, and allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization must return to their
bargaining tables and negotiate strict limits, verification measures, and overarching
controls over their nuclear use doctrines, weapon stockpiles, and conventional force
deployments. All sides will have to make deep concessions and de-alert and de-
operationalize mid- and short-range nuclear weapons while improving command and
control safeguards—because, as we see, brandishing weapons and threatening esca-
lation heightens tensions and increases the danger of crises spiralling uncontrollably.
Keywords
Arms control, Canada, deterrence, disarmament, North Atlantic Treaty Organization,
nuclear weapons, Russia, Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Ukraine
Corresponding author:
Erika Simpson, Political Science, Western University, 1135 Richmond Street, London, ON N6H 1J7,
Canada.
Email: simpson@uwo.ca
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