NDU publishes WMD proceedings

Earlier this month, the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at National Defense University published the latest edition of Proceedings. The latest edition examines four pressing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) challenges for the next U.S. administration. These WMD challenges are:

• The growing prospect of a direct clash between the U.S. and a nuclear-armed adversary (ex. Russia) that could escalate to the nuclear level.
• That North Korea’s nuclear, chemical, and suspected biological weapons programs likely will require resources for countering WMDs that exceed those currently available to the U.S. and South Korea.
• The reemergence of chemical weapons use threatens longstanding international efforts to prohibit chemical and biological weapons.
• That the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action may only postpone—rather than prevent—Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons, perpetuating tensions and proliferation pressures in the region.

According to the author, to meet these challenges, the next administration needs to: 1) close gaps in capabilities, plans, and policies that weaken deterrence; 2) reduce incentives for further proliferation by enhancing monitoring and verification measures and reassuring allies and partners; 3) strengthen the Nation’s countering-WMD posture with increased resources and improved organization; 4) stay on top of and leverage rapid scientific and technological developments in the life sciences and related fields; and 5) improve the education of military officers, civilian national security professionals, and the broader public on WMD challenges and the necessary responses thereto.

For more information on the proceedings, please follow the link below.
Weapons of Mass Destruction: Challenges for the New Administration, National Defense University