Start ii

Definition

Start II, formally known as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II, was a bilateral treaty between the United States and Russia aimed at further reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms. This treaty emerged during the presidency of Bill Clinton in the 1990s, reflecting the changing dynamics of post-Cold War relations and efforts to ensure global security through nuclear disarmament.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Start II was signed on January 3, 1993, but faced delays in ratification by the Russian Duma, eventually being ratified in 1996.
2. The treaty aimed for reductions to about 3,000 to 3,500 strategic nuclear warheads for each country by the year 2007.
3. Start II prohibited the deployment of multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
4. Start II marked a shift from the previous arms race mentality to one focused on cooperative security and arms control between former adversaries.
5. While Start II was negotiated successfully, it ultimately never entered into force because Russia withdrew its ratification in 2002 amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did Start II reflect the changing relationship between the United States and Russia after the Cold War?
  • Start II illustrated a significant shift in U.S.-Russia relations as both nations moved from a confrontational stance during the Cold War to a cooperative approach focused on arms reduction. The treaty represented an acknowledgment of mutual security needs and a commitment to reducing the threat posed by nuclear weapons. This shift was emblematic of the broader changes occurring in international relations following the end of bipolar tensions.
• Evaluate the implications of Start II's prohibition on MIRVs for future arms control negotiations.
  • The prohibition on MIRVs under Start II had important implications for future arms control efforts as it set a precedent for limiting complex nuclear delivery systems that could undermine stability. By restricting this capability, it aimed to reduce incentives for arms races and promote transparency between nations. However, this limitation also posed challenges for countries seeking to maintain credible deterrent strategies while adhering to non-proliferation principles.
• Analyze why Start II failed to be fully implemented despite its initial signing and ratification process.
  • Start II's failure to be fully implemented can be attributed to a combination of geopolitical shifts and evolving security concerns that arose in the early 2000s. After initial enthusiasm for disarmament waned, Russia's withdrawal from its ratification highlighted how changing global contexts can affect agreements made during more stable times. Additionally, emerging threats such as terrorism and regional conflicts shifted priorities away from nuclear disarmament toward immediate security concerns, ultimately undermining Start II's effectiveness.

Related terms

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): The original START treaty, signed in 1991, marked a significant step in nuclear disarmament, setting limits on the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by the US and the Soviet Union.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy while fostering disarmament.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD): A doctrine of military strategy where full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would result in the complete annihilation of both the attacker and defender.