As the Senior Director for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Counter-Proliferation of the National Security Council, Chris Ford plays perhaps the most important role in the US Government for defining the Trump Administration’s upcoming Nuclear Posture Review.
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Nuclear Ascendency: The Emerging Importance of Nuclear Weapons for Trump’s Foreign Policy Coalition: 8 March 2017
Some clarity has started to emerge on how important the military and nuclear weapons are to the new administration. On 28th February, Trump announced a ‘historic increase in defense spending to rebuild the depleted military,’ and reports talked of a 10% increase. His billion budget is to be funded by cuts to the State Department and US foreign aid. And the White House is expected to publish detailed proposals by the end of March.
The Paradox of Technological Vulnerabilities: Anyone Can Use Them
The paradox of technological vulnerabilities: anyone can use them
Trump’s Nuclear Rhetoric and its implications for European Security: 27 Feb 2017
Trump’s Nuclear Rhetoric and its implications for European Security
Further questions were raised over the direction of US nuclear posture review last week. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Trump opined that the US has 'fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity' and pledged the US to be 'top of the pack' when it comes to nuclear weapons.
Implications of US Nuke Debate for UK
BASIC's Executive Director, Paul Ingram, recently authored an article in the Huffington Post which reviews President Trump's inconsistent messages with regards to US nuclear policy. Paul explores the potential repercussions of US nuclear posture on decision-making in Westminster and further afield.
“The salience of the nuclear weapons debate in the United States and further afield has risen dramatically in recent months, with much to play for.”
Read the full article here.
Opening Salvos in the Trump Administration’s Nuclear Debate: 10 Feb 2017
The US President has the authority to launch the US nuclear arsenal at any time and without reference to any other authority. During the Presidential election Democrats attempted to discredit Trump’s ability to handle the grave responsibilities of office that come from control of the country’s thousands of nuclear warheads. US nuclear posture and doctrine is now set to remain a high-profile, contentious issue in the first year of the Trump Administration.
Donald Trump poised to take control of US nuclear weapons arsenal
BASIC's Chairman of the board, Dr Trevor McCrisken was interviewed by the News & Star about the new President-elect, Donald Trump and his pending responsibility over the nuclear codes. Trump's seemingly implusive and reactive temprement has aroused global concerns that he could launch a reckless nucear strike – McCrisken outlined the potential risks;
“You could imagine perhaps a situation where he just loses his mind or gets angry and decides to launch.”
President Trump’s defence deals may spark a nuclear arms race
Executive Director of BASIC, Paul Ingram was recently quoted in New Scientist magazine in an article exploring whether risks of a nuclear arms race would be heightened under Trump.