ABSTRACT
President Clinton entered office in 1993 committed to nuclear arms control, including the two START treaties and negotiation of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) to end global nuclear weapons testing.1 His administration was also required by Congress to undertake a full review of nuclear weapons policy in all its aspects by conducting a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) on entering office. Policy under Clinton was underpinned by four considerations. First, it was accepted that America had to retain a robust, survivable and reliable nuclear arsenal to perform a number of roles. Second, this must include a triad of ICBMs, SLBMs and long-range bombers that could be rapidly expanded from reserve forces. Third, the nuclear arsenal must be cut back along with the rest of the armed forces to reduce defence spending. Fourth, arms control agreements must be pursued to enhance strategic stability with Russia and reduce incentives for nuclear proliferation.2
