Publication

This paper examines the implications of Russia's annexation of Crimea for the debate over whether NATO members should spend more of their conventional military capabilities rather than US nuclear weapons based in Europe. Overall, the author argues that if NATO members did weaken its nuclear presence in Eastern Europe and build up their conventional capabilities, Russia could respond by further relying on its nuclear capabilities in the region. Consequently, he suggests that NATO should avoid making radical changes in its nuclear posture and just concentrate instead on enhancing its non-nuclear presence in Eastern Europe.