Restore NATO’s Deterrent

NATO is expected today to respond to the growing threat from Vladimir Putin’s Russia by reconstituting a rapid-reaction force. It’s to be capable of deploying anywhere in a handful of days. Such a capability would be welcome, and maybe even helpful.

But if the objective is actually to prevent further Russian aggression, the alliance is going to have to do much more.

After all, Putin is an old KGB colonel, one with extensive experience in understanding – and countering – Western military capabilities. For years, he has been building up his nuclear and other forces as the NATO allies have been cutting defense budgets and the U.S. nuclear umbrella has atrophied. He has even threatened thermonuclear attacks.

The alliance must reestablish a credible nuclear deterrent if it expects actually to check Vladimir Putin’s aggression.