Nonproliferation in Great Power Competition

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For decades, the United States has sought to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons among friends and foes alike. But this goal may be at risk. Adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea pose an increased threat, leading US allies to question America’s security guarantees. In particular, South Korea appears to doubt the credibility of US extended deterrence. Seoul has sought to strengthen deterrence and even weighed the benefits of acquiring its own nuclear weapons. To promote nonproliferation, the United States should prioritize improving regional deterrence and assurance.

In a new policy memo, “Nonproliferation in Great Power Competition,” Keystone Defense Initiative Director Rebeccah Heinrichs and Contributor Yashar Parsie examine the arguments for and against US nonproliferation efforts and argue that nonproliferation remains a worthy goal. They will discuss the memo and its recommendations in a conversation moderated by Senior Fellow Peter Rough.