From START To Finish?

Houston Goodell, US Army JAG
Alexander Simpson, Clerk, MD Ct. of App.

Abstract

On February 5, 2011, the latest nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia—the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) —entered into force. New START includes provisions for reducing strategic warheads, nuclear launchers and heavy bombers; it also mandates inspections and demonstrations to guarantee compliance with the parameters of the treaty. While New START is in effect until 2021 with the possibility of a five-year extension, ultimately it affords the United States only a modicum of immediate security, for the arms reduction of Russia is simply not the critical priority it once was. Although NEW START is undoubtedly a positive step towards nuclear arms control, if the world is to become a truly safer place, the United States must either include other nations in this quest or take unilateral action.