Arms-control Quote by Fred Kaplan
““The New START accord cuts the strategic nuclear arsenals on each side to 1,550 warheads. Can any of its critics make a case that our security would be imperiled if, the very next day, Obama and Medvedev made moves to take the levels down to 1,000—then to 500? If so, come show us the math. If not, it may be time to stop making arms control so politically complicated—time to stop letting arms control get in the way of disarmament.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Atlantic, 2019
The New START treaty’s limits on nuclear arsenals are modest; critics must provide concrete security analyses before demanding further cuts.
In simple terms: Critics need solid data to argue for more nuclear reductions.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence‑based debate on arms control.
Themes
arms control
security
policy
nuclear deterrence
politics
Mood
analytical
serious
policy‑oriented
Type
explanatory
critical
When to use this quote
- Diplomatic negotiations
- defense budgeting
- public advocacy
- academic research
Key Concepts
International relations
strategic stability
policy analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What data would convincingly show that further cuts threaten security?
- How can policymakers balance disarmament with deterrence?
A Different Perspective
Political rhetoric often oversimplifies complex security calculations.
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