Global Debate: The Next Generation of Nuclear Weapons

The Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) Program is a Bush administration initiative designed to spend billions of dollars creating a new generation of nuclear warheads. Whereas the Administration claims that RRW will allow it to fulfill its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to further reduce the US stockpile, observers abroad view RRW as additional evidence that the US is committed to retaining its nuclear arsenal indefinitely. In this special section of the 'Bulletin,' scientists and international security experts consider the merits of the Reliable Replacement Warhead Program, and whether it represents a step forward or backward in the effort to halt nuclear proliferation. Adapted from the source document.