FAS

U.S. Conventional Forces, Nuclear Deterrence and China (CRS)

08.25.06 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

A new Congressional Research Service report (pdf) proposes an analytical framework for assessing the comparative strengths of U.S. conventional and nuclear forces in the context of a hypothetical future conflict with China.

The authors consider “the possible role that U.S. nuclear and conventional forces might play in four stages of potential conflicts: deterrence, prior to the start of the conflict; crisis stability in the early stages of the conflict; warfighting during the height of the conflict; and war termination, through either a negotiated settlement or a battlefield victory.”

The new report “highlights a number of policy issues that may bear consideration in the ongoing debate regarding military investments,” but refrains from drawing specific conclusions.

CRS does not make its reports directly available to the public. A copy was obtained by Secrecy News.

See “U.S. Conventional Forces and Nuclear Deterrence: A China Case Study,” August 11, 2006.

publications
See all publications
Global Risk
Blog
When the Climate Shifts, So Do the Pathogens (And So Should We)

As humans expand our geographic reach, encroach on untouched natural territories, and interact more with animal populations, we will encounter novel zoonotic diseases that threaten the human body. The sooner we act to address these risks, the better.

09.11.26 | 7 min read
read more
State & Local Innovation
Report
Before Breaking Ground: A Local Government Guide to Better Data Center Policy and Community Benefits

This report serves as a landscape assessment and toolbox from which local governments can negotiate an informed position when it comes to the levers available to them and includes a first-of-its kind analysis of eight executed community benefits agreements.

09.10.26 | 42 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
Federal Data Help Communities Prepare for, Respond to, and Recover from Hurricanes. Data Terminations Will Make Them More Deadly.

When a hurricane hits, it’s all hands on deck – that goes for federal data, too. Pulling back from our investments in timely, accurate, and accessible public data will only make us less prepared and put us all at greater risk.

09.08.26 | 5 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
The Public Health Cost of Eliminating Race and Ethnicity Data

This is bigger than a singular elimination of race and ethnicity questions. It could accelerate the second wave of widespread reductions to demographic data, leaving public health officials with even less information to deliver better health outcomes for all Americans. 

09.04.26 | 6 min read
read more