Since entry into force two years ago, the New START Treaty between the U.S. and Russia has enhanced U.S. national security in many ways, including allowing the U.S. to eliminate unnecessary nuclear capabilities and invest in an arsenal for the 21^st century, while maintaining strategic stability with Russia.

The American Security Project has worked to develop the strategic case for New START from the ratification debate to today, as policymakers consider next steps in updating our nuclear strategy.

In the lead-up to the New START ratification in December of 2010, ASP Board member Senator Chuck Hagel and ASP Chairman Senator Gary Hart wrote in the Washington Post, 

“The treaty reduces and caps the Russian nuclear arsenal. It reestablishes and makes stronger the verification procedures that allow U.S. inspectors to conduct on-site inspections and surveillance of Russian nuclear weapons and facilities. It strengthens international efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism, and it opens the door to progress on further critical nonproliferation efforts, such as reducing Russian tactical nuclear weapons.”

Today, the strategic case for New START is stronger than ever. As ASP CEO BGen. Stephen A. Cheney said on the two-year anniversary of the treaty’s entry into force, “New START is a testament to the need for the U.S. and Russia to move past a Cold War rivalry and work together to address mutual nuclear security challenges.”

“Progress on nuclear reductions will not be easy, but the success of New START gives us a firm foundation for the next step in updating our nuclear deterrent force,” BGen. Cheney added.

ASP’s most recent Fact Sheet, available here, lays out the national security benefits of the New START Treaty.

For a collection of ASP’s work on New START, visit our Scribd site.

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