Date of Graduation
Summer 2026
Degree
Master of Science in Defense & Strategic Studies
Department
School of Defense & Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
Christopher Ford
Abstract
This study contends that the United States cannot sustain a credible nuclear deterrent through the mid-21st century without modernizing its aging nuclear arsenal and revising its nuclear doctrine to address emerging technological, geopolitical, and strategic threats posed by both near-peer adversaries and non-state actors. Through an examination of deterrence theory, historical developments, current force posture, modernization initiatives, doctrinal debates, counterarguments, and prospective geopolitical scenarios, this research assesses the adequacy of existing policies in maintaining strategic stability. The analysis concludes that credible deterrence in the coming decades will require integrated modernization, doctrinal clarity, and strategic adaptability to face any future threat the United States may face.
Keywords
nuclear deterrence, doctrine, modernization, strategic stability, United States
Subject Categories
Military, War, and Peace
Copyright
© Jonathon L. Beening
Recommended Citation
Beening, Jonathon L., "The United States' Nuclear Deterrent Outlook: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Prospects" (2026). Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 4191.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/4191
