Publication

Russia possesses the largest tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) arsenal in the world. The assumed main role of Russian TNW is to balance NATO and China superiority in conventional arms. Russian authorities have not revealed information about either the size of this arsenal or its role in defense planning, which has caused concerns that these weapons may be used widely in an armed conflict. This paper argues therefore that it is extremely important to initiate talks between NATO and Russia on transparency and confidence-building measures. Still, according to the author, a potential reduction in the number of these weapons will depend on a broader change in the threat perception among the political elites in Russia.