US Nuclear Strategy Debate: Restraint vs. Expansion in a Two-Peer World (warontherocks.com)

• China's nuclear modernization and New START expiration drive debate.
• Two competing schools: increase arsenal vs. restrain and hedge.
• Decision impacts US deterrence posture and global arms control.

"The United States faces a strategic choice in nuclear posture as China expands its arsenal and the New START treaty expires. Some analysts advocate increasing the deployed nuclear arsenal to deter both China and Russia, while others argue restraint and hedging reduce risks. This debate, highlighted in War on the Rocks, centers on whether more nuclear weapons increase or decrease security in a multi-peer nuclear environment."