ABSTRACT
Theater nuclear forces (TNF) arms control is an area where we need good ideas and new thought and imagination to apply to the problem. TNF by definition involves the allies and defense cooperation with them and requires the most astute and careful management. The analytical foundation for understanding TNF is, in fact, more complicated than it is for strategic forces. There are many similarities between long-range TNF arms control problems and mutual balanced force reduction. The deployment of TNF deters the use of SS-20s by the Soviet Union. Europeans see TNF arms control talks as accomplishing two things. First, they make possible the deployment of long-range theater forces because of very real domestic political pressures that otherwise would oppose them, and second, they help to prevent war by contributing to the network of exchanges that help to avoid the development of those situations in which war might become a real possibility.
