Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Definition

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, aimed at reducing the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by both countries. This treaty played a significant role in shaping nuclear deterrence strategies and efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, reflecting the broader geopolitical landscape during and after the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first START treaty was signed in 1991 and entered into force in 1994, marking a significant step toward arms control after the Cold War.
2. START required both nations to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to approximately 6,000 and to limit delivery systems like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
3. The treaty included extensive verification measures, allowing both countries to monitor compliance through on-site inspections and data exchanges.
4. START II was signed in 1993 but never ratified due to changing political dynamics and concerns about missile defense systems.
5. The legacy of START has influenced subsequent arms control agreements, setting a precedent for future negotiations and discussions on nuclear disarmament.

Review Questions

• How did the START treaty contribute to global efforts in nuclear deterrence?
  • The START treaty played a crucial role in shaping global nuclear deterrence by establishing formal agreements to reduce nuclear arsenals between two superpowers. By limiting the number of strategic nuclear weapons, both the U.S. and the Soviet Union aimed to decrease the likelihood of a nuclear conflict, thereby enhancing international security. This reduction not only helped stabilize relations during a tense period but also set an example for other nations regarding arms control.
• Discuss the verification mechanisms included in the START treaty and their importance for compliance.
  • Verification mechanisms in the START treaty were vital for ensuring both parties adhered to their commitments. These included on-site inspections, data exchanges, and notifications about missile launches or movements. Such measures helped build trust between the U.S. and Soviet Union, making it possible to verify that reductions were being implemented as agreed. Without these verification processes, there would have been greater suspicion and difficulty in achieving compliance.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the START treaty on subsequent arms control agreements and international relations.
  • The START treaty had significant long-term implications for arms control and international relations by establishing a framework for future negotiations. It set a precedent for transparency and accountability between nuclear powers, influencing later treaties like New START. The legacy of START also reflects ongoing challenges in disarmament discussions, as geopolitical tensions continue to shape how countries approach nuclear arsenals and non-proliferation efforts in today's world.

Related terms

Nuclear Deterrence: A military strategy that aims to prevent adversaries from attacking by threatening them with severe retaliation through nuclear weapons.

Non-Proliferation Treaty: An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Cold War: A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States from the late 1940s until the early 1990s, characterized by ideological conflict and a nuclear arms race.