Nuclear sharing arrangements and the active deployment of US theatre nuclear weapons (TNW) in Europe under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are viewed as critical components of its deterrence posture. Previously, this nuclear posture was aimed at the former Soviet Union (USSR) and Warsaw Pact alliance during the Cold War. Since the end of the Cold War and the absorption of former Warsaw Pact states into NATOthe official justification for those systems remaining is not connected to any specified enemy.
Cristina Varriale is a Senior Research Analyst, North East Asia at Janes Intelligence. Previously, Cristina spent six years in the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy team at RUSI, culminating in a short period as Acting Director, where she focused on North Korea’s nuclear and chemical weapons programmes, North/South Korea relations, US extended deterrence in East Asia and disarmament diplomacy in the NPT.
Prior to joining RUSI 2016, she worked in nuclear policy and research with the International Centre for Security Analysis (ICSA) and with the British American Security Information Council (BASIC).
Cristina holds an MA in Non-proliferation and International Security from King’s College London. She was also part of the 2018 Nuclear Scholars Initiative at the Center for Strategic Studies in Washington DC, and was selected for the 2021 Emerging Leaders Fellowship with the South Korean National Institute for Unification Education.
Read Cristina Varriale’s Content
Iran, the JCPoA and the Future of the Non-Proliferation Regime
The non-proliferation regime appears to have stagnated since the previous Review Conference in 2010. It involves deep complexity and relies upon shared norms, but these alone are insufficient for states to have the necessary confidence essential to its success.
Iran: It’s the Final Countdown.
Leaders of the E3+3 and Iran are working towards crafting a binding agreement aimed at increasing controls on Iran’s nuclear program that would impact upon the time it would take for Iran to create a nuclear bomb, and reducing sanctions.
Exploring the links between nuclear weapons and climate change
Climate change and nuclear weapons have one thing in common: neither are easily solvable dilemmas and require multidimensional global action.
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