American Nuclear Deterrence Policies In The Post-Cold War Era:Realist Perspectives

Post-cold war era, international security environment has changed dramatically, the threat of global nuclear war has become remote. Accordingly, American administration has adjusted the nuclear deterrence policy, that is:reduce the quantity of offensive strategic weapons, reduce the role of deterrence by punishment in American national security, while develop the Ballistic Missile Defense System and hi-technology weapons which have dual—capable capability and raise the capability of deterrence by denial.In fact, America’s post cold war nuclear deterrence policies is the continuation and develop of cold war times, the ultimate purpose is to achieve America’s absolute security. But when this realism confront the reality, the American administration has to made the adjustment, which has not and will not change American administration purpose to seek absolute security. This absolute security complex can be seen again from America quitted the Treaty on the Limitation of Anti—Ballistic Missile Systems (ABM), and develop Ballistic Missile Defense System. Realism dominated this process.