ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the future of nuclear weapons in Europe. It examines the situation and the probable developments in the immediate future. The chapter describes the justifications for the deployment of nuclear weapons in Europe in light of the political changes and possible developments during the 1990s. It also discusses different rationales for the deployment of nuclear weapons in Europe and evaluates their validity in light of the current political changes. The French and the British governments maintain that the independent nuclear forces of their countries remain the symbol of national independence and, at the same time, contribute to deterrence in general. The political center in most West European countries continues to support nuclear weapons in Europe as the best means of war prevention in terms of general deterrence. Current trends indicate that land-based nuclear weapons will be eliminated in Central Europe by about 1992/93.
