The concept of nuclear sharing was developed by NATO during the Cold War, when the relationship between the two blocs was distinctly antagonistic. The USA wanted to underscore its guarantee of security to Western Europe, while Western Europe—including the Federal Republic of Germany—hoped to have a say in the planning of nuclear/military activity. Ever since, the Bundeswehr has maintained fighter jets capable of transporting and, if necessary, launching American nuclear bombs.
Now that the Tornado fighter jet has become outdated and is slated to be replaced, questions arise with respect to the foundations and potential future of nuclear sharing. How much say does Germany have? Is nuclear sharing even still militarily useful? Are there alternative—and perhaps less contentious—options for German military engagement? IFSH employees aim to actively contribute to a debate surrounding these questions that is both fact-based and devoid of preconceived conclusions.
Discussions are continuing in Germany about the future of NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. The recent round of the debate was triggered by the push of the Ministry of Defense to reach a decision on the procurement of…
On March 26, the anthology "Germany and the Politics of Nuclear Weapons in the 21st Century: Atomic Zeitenwende", edited by Dr. Ulrich Kühn, was presented during a panel discussion at the Carnegie Endowment for…
Recent years have seen a remarkable uptick in German nuclear debates – even before Russia’s renewed aggression against Ukraine. The spectrum of potential political options discussed ranges from a Europeanized version of…
Christopher Fichtlscherer, Dr Pia Fuhrhop, Dr Alexander Graef, Dr Mischa Hansel, Dr Alexander Kelle, Dr Ulrich Kühn, Dr Moritz Kütt, Dr Oliver Meier, Dr Neil Renic, Professor Dr Elvira Rosert, Dr…
In the coming years, the new German federal government will be faced with three difficult arms control issues. The government must create new approaches, protect existing ones, and further develop those which are…
On April 13, 2021, Ulrich Kühn gave a lecture titled "Choosing the U.S. Nuclear Umbrella: Counterproductive Consequences of Germany's Love for the Status Quo" within the lecture series "IR Talks" at Bilkent University.…
The risk of nuclear weapons use in the Euro-Atlantic area has increased sharply in recent years. The reason for this can be found in Russia's geopolitical struggle with the USA and NATO. This conflict has led to a number…
The end of nuclear arms control seems almost inevitable. But what about conventional arms control in Europe? For "All Things Policy" - a podcast of the Takshashila Institution in Bangalore - Dr. Ulrich Kühn spoke about…
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