Geopolitics Decanted by Silverado Why America's Nuclear Deterrence Strategy Needs to Change
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Jul 2, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Vipin Narang, a former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy and director of MIT's Center for Nuclear Security Policy, shares his insights on America's nuclear deterrence strategy. He emphasizes the urgent need for the U.S. to adapt to the New Nuclear Age, debating the merits of counterforce versus countervalue targeting strategies. The conversation also touches on the credibility of U.S. extended nuclear deterrence for allies and discusses emerging threats from countries like Pakistan and China, highlighting the complexities of modern nuclear policy.
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New Nuclear Capabilities Needed
- The U.S. must develop new nuclear capabilities due to rising threats from China expanding its nuclear arsenal.
- China's hundreds of new ICBM silos require the U.S. to hold these targets at risk to maintain deterrence.
Why Counterforce Needs Nukes
- Nuclear counterforce strategy aims to neutralize adversary launch capabilities to limit damage.
- Nuclear weapons are essential for disabling deeply hardened silos unreachable by conventional means.
Damage Limitation Assures Allies
- Damage limitation via counterforce and missile defense underpins credibility of U.S. extended nuclear deterrence.
- Allies are assured the U.S. can fight for them without sacrificing its own homeland excessively.
