Russia has recently revised its nuclear doctrine, raising concerns about the potential for the country to use its nuclear weapons more readily. The updated doctrine, released in a document called “Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence,” indicates that Russia may now deploy nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats of aggression using conventional weapons.
This change in policy is seen as a significant shift from previous doctrines, which emphasized the use of nuclear weapons only in response to a nuclear attack or a conventional attack that posed an existential threat to the state. The revised doctrine suggests that Russia may now consider using nuclear weapons in a wider range of scenarios, which has raised alarm among experts and policymakers.
Critics argue that this lower threshold for the use of nuclear weapons could increase the risk of nuclear escalation and undermine international security. They fear that Russia’s willingness to use nuclear weapons in more situations could lead to a dangerous arms race and pose a threat to global stability.
The revised doctrine comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over issues such as Ukraine, Syria, and allegations of Russian interference in Western democracies. Some analysts believe that the updated nuclear doctrine may be a response to what Russia sees as increased aggression from Western powers.
Overall, the revised nuclear doctrine has sparked concerns about the potential for an increase in nuclear threats and the risk of a catastrophic conflict. It remains to be seen how this policy shift will impact Russia’s relations with the international community and the broader security landscape.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com