Publication

This study analyzes the costs of US nuclear forces and estimates how much money could be saved if they were eliminated. More specifically, the study’s authors 1) review existing cost estimates for nuclear forces and explain why they vary so widely; 2) predict the cost of US nuclear forces for the next 25 years; and 3) outline different cost savings options for the future. Ultimately, the authors conclude that cutting nuclear weapons is unlikely to provide enough savings to help the US manage its near-term resource constraints. Having said this, Washington could still make wholesale changes to its nuclear strategy and force structure — changes that are not only unlikely but could not then be easily undone.