Nuclear Arms Race Final Exam

Bernard Brodie

- existential deterrence, weapon is too destructive, so destructive that it makes nuclear war itself inherently irrational. Bomb was good for a deterrent and nothing else.

Perestroika

A policy initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev that involved restructuring of the social and economic status quo in communist Russia towards a market based economy and society

Containment

American policy of resisting further expansion of communism around the world - George Kennan

ABM

Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, signed in 1972 by Nixon and Brezhnev. Limited ballistic missiles to token areas around national capitals. Important because it was another step on the road to nuclear arms limitations, and because it was supposed to establish nuclear parity by limited nuclear defenses (and thus further implanting MAD as the ground rules of nuclear diplomacy).

Albert Wohlstetter

Balance of terror, if Soviets got the advantage they could blackmail the US. If this was the case, then a rational decision could be made to launch a first strike.

Berlin Wall decision (Operation Rose)

Began construction on August 13,1961. Soviet/East German construction of the Berlin Wall came about as a result of Kennedy's speech reaffirming defense for West Berlin (made Khrushchev believe that Kennedy would not risk war over the defense of East Berliners). Also, Soviets/East Germans were concerned that people were using West Berlin as a way to escape the communist bloc (Brain Drain). Important because the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of the cold War for nearly 3 decades, and also because its construction represented a retreat on the part of the Soviets (would not build a wall if he was going to invade, and was desperately trying to stop the brain drain).

Brain Drain's Impact on Berlin

By the Mid 1950's West Berlin was becoming a well industrialized and the Eastern part was becoming oppressed by Soviet Union/War Communism. Peter Ketcher a bricklayer for East Berlin tried to jump to the west side and was shot. East Berlin/Germany gained such a reputation for its repressive rule that even later into the Cold War when Mikhail Gorbachev liberalized USSR beginning in 1981 the East German government was still repressive. All of this led to anyone getting out of East Berlin that could into the West and brought lots of intelligent workers to west from the east. Hence the term Brain Drain and the reason for the wall being built.

Zbignew Brzezinksi

Carter's National Security Advisor. Important because he was very anti-Soviet and was skeptical of nuclear arms limitation talks.

Cyrus Vance

Carter's Secretary of State. Important because he pushed for nuclear limitations/reductions, and butted heads with Zbig Brzezinski, who was very anti-Soviet and mistrustful of the Soviet government. Proposed reducing land-based missiles during SALT II talks, Soviets couldn't do that because they were too reliant on land-based.

Non alignment Movement

Founded in 1950s. It is a group of states that did not pick sides during the Cold War (also called the Third World). Included states such as India, Indonesia, Yugoslavia, and Egypt. Important because they represented a powerful bloc of states that would not immediately take the side of the USSR or the US, and also because some historians believe that the PRC stopped shelling Mazu and Quemoy during the First Taiwan Straits crisis a way to try to increase their popularity before the Non-Aligned Conference in Indonesia. - Why- They were important because they had not picked a side yet so both sides were fighting for them to join their own side. Caused nations of different sides to try and not upset these countries due to the risk of them going to the other side in response.

Corona

It was also America's first satellite program, and was important because it enabled the US to launch reconnaissance of the USSR nuclear program without having to actually fly planes over the USSR. It was through this reconnaissance that the Kennedy admin discovered the missile gap actually favored the US. - What- U.S first satellite program used to spy on China and the USSR - Why- helped Kennedy discover the missile gap favored the U.S

Autumn Forge

It was an exercise involving the airlift of soldiers to Europe. It had to do with Able Archer. (I am inclined to agree, but keep in mind that AF83 was the parent exercise of AA83 as well as the other -83 exercises, all of which helped to contribute to the climate of Soviet anticipation of a first strike)

Brinkmanship

John Foster Dulles's idea that you have to be ready and willing to go right up to the edge of nuclear war, and cannot show any reluctance. Only at the edge would your opponent (the Soviets) back off. Important because it became the prevailing idea on the US and USSR sides, and contributed to several nuclear crises, most importantly the Cuban Missile Crisis.

MRV's and MIRV's

Multiple re-entry vehicles and multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles. They are ballistic missiles that carry multiple warheads, each targeting something different. Concerned the US during nuclear talks in the 70s and 80s, as the Soviets were very reliant on them.

MBFR

Mutual and Balanced Force reductions. Negotiations between the US and USSR to limit conventional forces in Europe. Important for nuclear history because during September 1986 Stockholm MBFR talks, Gorbachev began to accept intrusive inspections and deep cuts in ICBMS (in return for the end of SDI)

Detente

Nixon's policy of triangular diplomacy with the Chinese and the Soviets. The idea was to play the two off each other while simultaneously easing tensions. Important for nuclear history because it led to the signing of the ABM treaty and the SALT I treaty (Carter would negotiate SALT II, but increasing tensions between the US and USSR in the third world would lead to the fall of SALT II and detente in general) - What- policy was to play the off the chinese and soviets to ease tensions. This led to increased tensions between the USSR later on though - Why- Led to ABM Treaty and Salt I in 1972 and Salt II in 1979

NIMBY

Not in my backyard! Idea that you're cool with something until the government tries to build it right near you. Important for this course because it's often something preventing nuclear waste repositories from being built (people are cool with nuclear power plants until someone tries to put one right down the street from them).

Cuban Missile Crisis

Operation Mongoose- 1961 based in Miami, covert raids to stimulate upheaval in Cuba

Timeline of Arms Control Treaties

Partial Test Ban Treaty: 1963 - Prohibits non-underground testing - Product of the Cuban Missile Crisis - Became apparent that radiation was affecting the whole entire world not just areas where bombs were set off Non-Proliferation Treaty: 1968 - Nuclear States Recognized, Non-Nuclear States agree to remain that way, nuclear states agree to share peaceful nuclear technology Interim Agreement on Offensive Weapons: 1972 - Aka SALT I: Freeze ICBMs and SLBMs Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty: 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty: 1972 - Limit Anti-Ballistic Missile technology to two batteries of 100 missiles, in 1974, limited to one battery (highest expression of Mutually Assured Destruction, really) Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II): 1979 - Limited US/USSR to equal number of ICBMs, SLBMs, heavy bombers; restricted number of Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles. Never ratified by US Senate after Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, but honored until superseded anyway Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty: 1987 - Banned all LAND-BASED weapons with ranges below 5,000 kilometers, eliminating more than 2600 missiles and opening the door to intensive inspections

Order of Presidents and Years

Roosevelt: 1933-1945 Truman: 1945-1953 Eisenhower: 1953-1961 Kennedy: 1961-1963 Johnson: 1963-1969 Nixon: 1969-1974 Ford: 1974-1977. Carter: 1977-1981 Reagan: 1981-1989 Bush Sr: 1989-1993

Salt 1

Salt I stands for Strategic Arms Limitations Talks which resulted in the first agreement in 1972 between Nixon and Brezhnev. The agreement effectively froze the number of ballistic missile launchers at existing numbers. It also limited the amount of sub-based launchers under NATO's control. SALT I is important because it represents a major turning point in relations between the US and the USSR at the time. It played a fundamental role in the expansion of non-proliferation between the two actors by limiting the number of ABM (anti-ballistic missile systems) to one per site. A contemporary example of why the presence of ABMs threatens regional security is the US' decision to deploy them to South Korea following NK missile tests. (China is not happy about this).

Robert Strange McNamara

SecDef 1961-1968. Part of the 'Best and Brightest' of the Kennedy/Johnson years. Important b/c he was the initial driving force behind the quarantine option during the Cuban Missile crisis and advocated for US involvement in Vietnam. He also was the developer of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) wherein the US would allow the Soviets to catch up and close the missile gap so that neither side would have the incentive to launch a first strike. - Who- Robert Mcnamara, JFK/Johnson - What- Initial driving force of Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine option. Developed MAD (Mutually assured destruction)

South African Nuclear Program- 1977

South african military officials believed they needed a nuclear weapon to counter the leftist governments seizing control in territories formerly controlled by colonist regimes.

Operation RYAN

Soviet monitoring program meant to predict an American/NATO nuclear first strike. Operation RYaN gathered intelligence and then monitored contingency plans of the Reagan Administration (best example: where is the original document US Constitution)

Smiling Buddha

codename of India's first nuclear test on 5/18/1974. It was officially called a peaceful nuclear explosion. Came about as a result of Indian fears of China's nuclear program (India and China had had border clashes during the late 50s and early 60s). Additionally, there were concerns over the US being able to use carrier fleet to pressure India during the 1971 India-Pakistan War (they did not want to be pushed around, wanted to be the global hegemon). They also wanted to prove that they were a modern country. Important because it established India as the 5th (or maybe 6th b/c of Israel) nuclear power, showed India's commitment to being a regional hegemon, and pushed Pakistan to pursue nuclear weapons themselves. - What- First nuclear test. In fear of China's nuclear program. India doesnt want to be pushed around by China or U.S and show they were a modern country - Why- India had border clashes with China through the 50's and 60's and were concerned over U.S carrier fleet pressures. Wanted to make itself a regional power and defend itself from Pakistan (india-pakistan war of 1971)

Checkpoint Charlie 1961

confrontation between the US and East Germans/USSR. US Diplomat wanted to go to the opera in East Berlin, when stopped at the border by East Germans, he said he would only show his papers to the Soviets (US didn't recognize East Germany). Led to a standoff that was resolved through back channels by RFK. Important b/c it showed that neither side was backing down on Berlin, and b/c it represented a time that the US and USSR almost shot directly at each other.

Operation Vulture 1954

considered US operation to intervene to save French at Dien Bien Phu. Nuclear weapons were considered (whether it be dropping a weapon on the Viet Minh or providing French with nuclear artillery) but the operation was eventually scrapped at the behest of Ike (who felt it was too riskier politically and militarily). Important b/c the US backed away from using nuclear weapons, and because French were eventually defeated and pushed out of Vietnam, leaving the US as the protectorate of the anti-communist south. - What- U.S operation to save French forces at Dien Bien Phu who were surrounded by communist forces, considered dropping nuclear weapons or giving them to the Viet Minh to use. Eisenhower scrapped the operation as he felt it was too risky. Instead began Operation Condor - Why- Dien Bien Phu was falling for the communists french came to U.S for help as they did not want Vietnam falling to communists. Operation wasnt lauched because Nixon wanted to limited U.S involvement in war

Decoupling

don't think this will be an ID. Decoupling is a noun for the process in which one 'decouples' or separates that which is connected. The Reagan administration had to find a way to decouple SDI from other issues, as it kept popping up though Reagan was committed to it and its feasibility.

Hotline Treaty

established direct line of communication between Washington and Moscow (it was a telegraph, not an actual red phone). Came about as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the subsequent rise in popularity of arms control. Important because it was an important step in preventing miscommunication from leading to a crisis, and demonstrated a commitment to arms control and the pull away from brinksmanship.

Nuclear Weapon Free Zone

group of states that have banned use, development, and deployment of nuclear weapons within their borders. Examples include Latin America, Africa, Australia/Oceania/Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Antarctica, and space. They are an important part of nuclear nonproliferation, and represent a step on the path to the banning of nuclear weapons. - Treaty of Tlatelolco- 1967 - the treaty accomplishing this - Who- Treaty of Tlatelolco bans nuclear arms/powerplants in Latin America and Carribean, Palau first nation to declare itself a nuclear-free zone in 1980

Operation Ryan

intelligence program run by the Soviets in the early 1980s. Was supposed to gather information regarding contingency plans of Reagan administration to launch nuclear first strike. Important because it showed how fearful the Soviets were of Reagan's rhetoric about nuclear weapons. - What- Soviet Union's intelligence program to see when Reagan was planning to launch a nuclear first - Why- Soviet's feared U.S first strike especially after U.S put missiles in West Berlin in 1983 and the SDI initiative. Missiles would have only taken 4-6 minutes from West Berlin to hit Moscow.

10/86 Reykjavik Summit

meeting between Gorbachev and Reagan. No important progress made, but Gorbachev began talking about arms control. Important because it represented Gorbachev's belief that better relations with the US were needed, and that nuclear arms control was the way to reach better relations. They also eventually led to the INF agreement.

Able Archer 83

nuclear command exercise run by NATO in November, 1983. Was supposed to simulate an escalating conflict and eventual nuclear war with the Warsaw Pact. The realism of the operation, when combined with Reagan's anti-communist rhetoric and the deployment of the Pershing missiles to western Europe, made some in the Soviet government think that NATO was preparing a first strike. Important because it almost led to a nuclear confrontation between the US and the USSR. Historians say that it also made Reagan more aware that the Soviets were genuinely afraid of being attacked via first strike, and pushed him to the negotiating table. - What- nuclear command exercise by NATO that made USSR think NATO was preparing a first strike - Why- USSR was convinced NATO was coordinating a first strike. Almost leads to nuclear confrontation and pushes Reagan to negotiate with Soviets

Open Skies

policy advocated for by Eisenhower during the Geneva Summit Conference in 1955. Idea was that, to counter the fear of a surprise attack on both sides, the US and the USSR would open up their skies to reconnaissance. It was immediately rejected by Khrushchev. Important because it was the cover that Ike used to start U2 flights over the USSR to gain intelligence.

NSC 162

put out on 10/30/1953. It put forth Eisenhower's 'new look' policy and introduced massive retaliation, wherein the US would launch a nuclear strike at the slightest provocation. The idea was that this would be a deterrent, but it was still controversial. Important b/c it contributed to the brinksmanship attitude that prevailed during the crisis years and attempted to articulate US nuclear policy/strategy. -What- new look policy introducing massive retaliation where U.S would launch a nuclear strike from slightest provocation. Idea was controversial because of the seriousness of the treat. - Why- important because it contributed to brinksmanship attitude during crises years. Death of Stalin in 1953 led to new relations with Soviets

Vienna Summit June 3-4, 1961

summit meeting between Khrushchev and JFK. Khrushchev was very aggressive, and Kennedy was shook. Important because it showed Kennedy that he could not charm Khrushchev , and because Khrushchev renewed his ultimatum to sign a peace treaty with East Germany at the conference. - What- Khrushchev very aggressive towards kennedy at conference promises to sign peace treaty with East Germany. First meeting in person between the two. - Why- Showed Kennedy who could not charm Khrushchev, and showed that Khrushchev. Was first face to face meeting.

Pershing Z

track cruise- nuclear missiles that the US placed in Western Europe in 1983. Important because it contributed to Soviet fears of a NATO nuclear first strike during Able Archer. They were eliminated by the INF Treaty.

Operation Anadyr

Soviet operation to place missiles in Cuba. Differing ideas as to why it was launched in the first place. - Nuclear balance: Khrushchev thought it would be a way to close the missile gap on the cheap. This belief was widespread throughout the government when the crisis first started - Berlin - Khrushchev was trying to pressure Kennedy into concessions on Berlin. EXCOMM largely believed this. - Defense of Cuba - Khrushchev was responding to Bay of Pigs, and American moves and rhetoric that threatened the Castro Regime. This idea became more widespread in later years - Sino-Soviet Split - Khrushchev wanted to protect a young revolutionary government to prove that Mao was wrong in saying that the Soviets were not real communists. Wanted to show that the Soviets were the movers and shakers in the Communist world, Mao could just talk big. - USSR-Cuban Relations - Castro had accused Moscow of trying to put a traditional communist in charge of Cuba. Sending missiles was a way to reinforce good relations - Economics: Relates back to nuclear balance. Putting missiles in Cuba was a money saving way of deterring the US from using missiles in Europe (as USSR already had the conventional advantage in Europe)

SDI Starwars

Strategic Defense Initiative. First introduced by Reagan on March 23rd, 1986. The idea was to develop a system that would render nuclear weapons obsolete by destroying ICBMs before they could reach the US. Important because it turned MAD and ABM on their respective heads, as it would enable the US to launch a first strike without fear of repercussions. It also pissed off the Soviets, and would be a recurring obstacle on the path to nuclear arms agreements between Reagan and Gorbachev.

PNE - peaceful nuclear explosions

They are the most un-peaceful thing ever, but the term provided India a way to cover themselves (as it's not exactly in vogue to proliferate nuclear weapons). The US and the USSR also had PNEs, for things like research or mining. They were limited in a 1976 treaty, and banned by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1996. - What- testing nuclear weapons was a cover for the testing of nuclear weapons and used for mining and research - Why- Way to cover the testing of nuclear arms. Gave countries like India the ability to develop nuclear arms without needing to fear the consequence of war.

Salt 2

Treaty that was negotiated between Carter and Brezhnev. Nixon started the talks, but Watergate did him in. Ford tried to continue the talks, but Reagan was running to his right in the 1976 Republican Primary and he did not want to appear as weak. Carter wanted vast reductions in land-based missiles, but Soviets were reliant on this type. Eventually, an agreement was reached, but it never passed the Senate, and Carter withdrew it following increased tensions in the 3rd world between the US and USSR (with Afghanistan being the final blow). Important because it represented another attempt at limited nuclear stockpiles, but fell victim to mistrust between the US and USSR.

Operation Mongoose 1961/Cuban Project

US operation with the military/intelligence community with the objective of sabotaging Cuba and taking down Castro. Came up with some wild ideas of ways to take out Castro. Important b/c it showed the fixation of the Kennedy administration on Cuba, and because Soviets may have placed missiles in Cuba as a way to protect Castro from US attempts at sabotage and to deter an invasion.

U.N security council

United Nations Body in which the most powerful states (US, USSR, UK, China, and France) held permanent positions as well as veto power over resolutions. At the Security Council is were Adlai Stevenson revealed the picture of the Soviet Missiles in Cuba."

Vela Incident - 1979

a satellite caught a blip of something that analysts would expect to be a nuclear explosion. No one knows who would be responsible for this action , but since it was in the pacific India is implicated. Israel who had not confirmed their status as a nuclear power with a detonation was also suspected. Might have also been a rock knocking the screen.

No First Use Movement

began during the Reagan years as a response to Reagan's nuclear rhetoric, and the fact that he was bringing in advisors who had talked about the 'winnability' of a nuclear war. Important because it represented nuclear weapons returning to the front of culture consciousness.

Desert Rat

"Le Gerboise Bleue" French nuclear test in the desert of Algeria on 2/13/1960. At 70 KT, it was the largest first nuclear test. De Gaulle was the driving force behind the project that led to the test, as he was an extreme realist who felt that France needed the weapon as a deterrent (concrete power). There was also a degree of prestige, as France had been humiliated pretty much constantly for a solid 90 years (Dien Bien Phu being the most recent example). Important because it established France as the 4th nuclear power (after US, USSR, and UK) and represented De Gaulle's commitment to assuring France's hard power. - Why- largest first nuclear test, France had been humiliated the past 90 years in various wars and felt they needed a deterrent to prevent future invasions.

Glasnost

'openness' Reforms put in place by Gorbachev to increase transparency of the Soviet government. Encouraged criticism of leaders. Important to nuclear history as it was all part of Gorbachev's attempt to better relations with the West to soothe tensions and improve the state of the USSR.

Ptbt - 1963 - Stands for the Partial Test Ban Treaty.

- Banned all testing of nuclear weapons except for underground tests. Original signatories were Great Britain, the US, and USSR in 1963. Since then, 123 more states have signed on to the treaty. The original signatories hoped that it would slow the proliferation of nuclear arms but it did not. It did however result in a sharp decline of radioactive particles in the atmosphere. Lasting impacts of the PTBT can be seen in the implementation of monitors for tremors caused by underground tests, a slowed proliferation, less radioactive material in the atmosphere, and the fact that China, France, and North Korea are among the 60 non-signatories.

NNPT 1968 - also called the NPT, or Non-Proliferation Treaty.

- It was a formal deal between nuclear haves and nuclear have-nots wherein have-nots agree not to develop weapons, and the haves agree to share peaceful nuclear technology. In the treaty, the US and the USSR also promised to draw back vertical proliferation (buildup of nuclear stockpiles). Important because it is the cornerstone of the world-wide nonproliferation movement, led to SALT talks in the 1970s, represented an attempt at curtailing the danger of nuclear weapons after a long period of crises, and helped to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Nuclear Balance

1961 Gilpatric speech that the missile gap favors us 9:1

Vladivostok framework

1974 US and USSR agreed to limit themselves to an equal amount of various weapons. An important part of nuclear reduction movement.

paper tiger

A person or nation perceived as powerful, but actually weak

INF Treaty

Intermediate- Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, signed by Reagan and Gorbachev during the December 1987 Washington SUmmit. Important because it eliminated missiles in West + East Europe. The missile were not just removed, they were destroyed ("trust, but verify")

Attack on the Osirak Reactor

Israeli air strike that destroyed Iraqi nuclear reactor in June 1981. Important because it was a major setback on Hussein's nuclear program, but it also cemented Hussein's nuclear ambitions. These ambitions would became a teeny tiny issue down the road (see 2003 US Invasion of Iraq) (Just because you have ambitions doesn't mean you have results. For example, my ambition is to study for all my exams, but I know in about 25 minutes I'll be back on Buzzfeed taking a quiz to see how my Chipotle order determines what Hogwarts House I should be in)

Israel's Nuclear Program

Israelis really picked up their nuclear project in the late 1950s, following Suez Crisis (wherein they had occupied the Sinai, but US pressure forced them out). It was based all around protection (as they were surrounded by states that overtly wanted to destroy them). Memories of the Holocaust were especially potent (other states let it happen, the Jewish people would not let it happen again). London Times published expose on the program in 1986, but it was pretty well known that it existed even before that. Important because it established Israel (unofficially) as the 5th nuclear power, and has complicated peace process in the Middle East.

Sino Soviet Split 1962

Relations between the USSR and the PRC became particularly frosty over the Sino-Indian War in 1962 and around the Great Leap Forward, which the Soviets did not approve of. This led to the end of Soviet Nuclear aid to the Chinese and the gradual widening of the divide between the two branches of communism. - What- split in ideology between USSR and PRC. begins with Khrushchev condemning Stalin's actions as Premier. Influenced by events such as the cuban missile crisis, China's Great Leap Forward, - Why- Made it from a two sided cold war into a three sided cold war. USSR starting to lean more left after near MAD in multiple missile crisis while China maintained Stalin's ideology and said the USSR wasn't communist enough. Policies of China's Stalinism and Russia's Coexistence clashing.