PONI Member Discusses RRW options for Obama

In Robert Gates’ October 28 speech at the Carnegie Endowment, he discussed the importance for the United States to maintain a credible nuclear deterrence and offered the reliable replacement warhead (RRW) program as a way forward. Regarding the RRW, PONI member Yousef Butt recently published a piece for the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists where he outlined a number of steps that should be taken by the Obama Administration with regards to U.S. nuclear policy. With recommendations ranging from ratification of the CTBT to de-alerting nuclear weapons, this list is expansive and covers a host of pressing issues. The lack of timeliness, feasibility, and possible negative global ramifications of RRW are cited as reasons against the program. Is the RRW the best way forward to help maintain a safe, credible, and reliable nuclear arsenal or should the United States find others ways to ensure the viability of its deterrent?