Qualifier
The much awaited Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) acted as the only qualifying factor that would avert the threats of nuclear weapon. Michael (19) notes that the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), such as nuclear bombs, tends to qualify the infiltration of security threats in the United States and across the world. Hence, the nuclear weapon policy of the US can only qualify if the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) is enforced to the letter.
Rebuttal
Michael (42) observes that some sections of the policy makers rebutted the need to change the current policy on nuclear use. There were those who suggested that NPR ought to have been overhauled because it was not serving the security needs of the US. However, other policy formulators indicated that selected sections of the NPR should have been amended.
This kind of sharp rebuttal in terms of consensus has led to the great discourse on the United States’ declaration policy. It reached a point when clear explanations were needed on why the US had been extremely interested in controlling the nuclear policy across the world.
Backing/support
There were some officials within the administration who supported the need for the United States to maintain flexibility when seeking policy alternatives. On the other hand, there were those who supported the idea of ending the Cold War mentality that was initially proposed by President Obama.
The latter also supported the desire to reduce the United States’ responsibility in nuclear weapon programs. The two aforementioned approaches were thought to be the most effective in addressing the possibility of nuclear war in future. In addition, it would lower the level of international conflicts and security threats that had been witnessed in the recent past.
Moreover, deterring the nuclear-related conflicts was unanimously supported by both sides of the administration. It was noted that the United States’ government ought to strive always in order to avert any possibility of nuclear attack by adopting the No First Use (NFU) policy.
Claim
Michael (9) claims that NPR failed to optimize a vital chance when it did not adopt the No First Use (NFU) policy. If NPR would have adopted the NFU approach, it would have assisted the United States’ government to reduce its active participation in the war against the use of the nuclear weapons (Schwartz 42).
The author also argues that the necessity to deter war is closely related to the threat posed by countries that attempt to use nuclear weapons for the first time. However, the author claims that it is extremely dangerous and unnecessary for the United States’ government to claim that it needs to use the nuclear weapons before other players in this field.
Warrant
Finally, it is warranted that if the United States’ government continue to demand the first use of nuclear weapons, it will pose more risk to the security of the world than it is currently. It should be noted that the US may already be harboring mass nuclear arsenals.
Such weapons can guarantee mass destruction especially when used against their enemies who are spread across the world. Worse still, there is some significant variation in terms of nuclear weapons that have been manufactured by individual states (Schwartz 78). The First Use proposal will only create a hostile environment that is ready for war.
Works Cited
Michael, Gerson. “No first use.” International Security 35. 2 (2010): 7-47. Print.
Schwartz, Stephen. Atomic Audit: The Costs and Consequences of U.S. Nuclear Weapons. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 1998. Print.