The Stabilizing “Basic Principles”: Moscow Reduces Options for Pre-Nuclear Escalation

... reflects the increased range of dangers and threats characteristic of the time of an armed confrontation in Europe, defining the role of nuclear weapons in meeting these challenges. It is hardly possible to assess the doctrine's impact on the state of strategic stability in its regional and global dimensions in isolation from developments in the situation. For example, the test launch of the new Oreshnik system capable of carrying nuclear weapons in combat conditions on November 21 “highlighted” ...