New START Will Not Make Us Safer Tomorrow: A Response to Senator Carl Levin

James Carafano / July 20, 2010

Senator Carl Levin (D–MI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released an op-ed last week arguing that the new START Treaty is good for the U.S. and the world. This follows similar op-eds from Sen. John Kerry (D–MA) and Sen. Richard Lugar (R–IN). Given the number of such publications over the past couple of weeks, it is becoming clear that this treaty is finally getting the level of attention it deserves. It is also becoming increasingly evident that this Administration is worried the opposition voice is growing stronger.

In his article, Senator Levin argues this treaty sends all the right signals to the international community that America is serious about the threats posed by nuclear weapons. However, Levin fails to realize we have been serious about this commitment for decades and do not need a treaty to make it any clearer. The U.S. provides nuclear guarantees to 30 countries across the globe, which ultimately means these nations do not need to build arsenals of their own. This nation has already done more for non-proliferation than any treaty will be able to accomplish.

In fact, it is quite likely that the START treaty will only lead to a new arms race. As the U.S. will continue to reduce its weapons stockpile, Russia will modernize its nuclear arsenal and further develop its tactical nuclear weapons program, both of which are permitted under the new START treaty. (more…)