Nonproliferation: Adjustment Of American Nuclear Strategy Since 9/11

With the fall of the Soviet Union, the awareness of nuclear threats began to fade, and the nuclear strategy—deterrence, still reflected decisions made during a fundamentally different strategic era. However, the September 11th terrorist attacks forced the United States to reexamine its understanding of the international security environment. Thus adjustments have been made to its nuclear strategy. Against this background, the thesis is to probe into the major modification of the American nuclear strategy, with new emphasis on non-proliferation. Besides, President Bush announced a Proliferation Security Initiative in a bid to frame a new non-proliferation regime to meet the need of American security interests and the war on terror. Also, the ongoing nuclear crises of Iran and the DPRK will be surveyed as two examples reflecting the resolute determination of the United States in achieving its goal of non-proliferation.