The world Ronald Reagan inherited in 1980 was a dangerous one. The Soviet Union – perhaps better remembered as the “evil empire” – remained a threat to democratic freedom across the globe. The hostile regime in Iran had held 52 Americans captive for 444 days. And just three years into his first term, the United States Marine Barracks were bombed in Lebanon, killing 241 American troops.

In this uncertain world, Reagan adopted a clear foreign policy strategy: “peace through strength.”

Reagan outlined this doctrine in a 1983 speech, saying, “We know that peace is the condition under which mankind was meant to flourish. Yet peace does not exist of its own will. It depends on us, on our courage to build it and guard it and pass it on to future generations. George Washington’s words may seem hard and cold today, but history has proven him right again and again. ‘To be prepared for war,’ he said, ‘is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.’”

Reagan’s strategy required bolstering the U.S. nuclear arsenal, a pillar of American national security since World War II. The success of this foreign policy ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the demise of the evil empire, and a position of unquestioned military strength for the United States, which has lasted nearly three decades.  

Recently, another American president made an historic announcement before thousands of German citizens: the United States would effectively abandon its longstanding policy of peace through strength. Instead, President Obama pledged to pursue a policy of “peace with justice.” “Peace with justice means pursuing the security of a world without nuclear weapons, no matter how distant that dream might be,” Obama explained. 

Reducing our nuclear arsenal by one-third, the president argued, brought us closer to this lofty goal.

Ironically, this troubling announcement comes at a time of increased global turmoil. Rogue nations and terrorist organizations remain committed to acquiring nuclear weapons. A recent Pentagon report makes clear “the risk of nuclear attack has increased.” And while the United States continues to allow its own arsenal to diminish and fall into disrepair, China and Russia are moving full speed ahead with their own nuclear modernization plans.

In 2010, the U.S. Senate adopted the New START Treaty, which called for a number of reductions to the existing nuclear deterrent. The Senate’s consent to the treaty depended on the president’s commitment to provide needed funding to modernize our remaining weapons and supporting laboratories. The logic was that as the size of America’s arsenal dwindles, our confidence in the ability of remaining weapons to perform – and to serve as an effective deterrent – must increase dramatically. Yet, the president’s promised modernization funding has not materialized. 

As a result, the United States’ nuclear arsenal – its primary national security tool of ensuring peace through strength – faces an uncertain future. 

Nuclear deterrence is not an outdated strategy; it’s tried, it’s true, and it’s still relevant. The administration’s recent decision to order a nuclear-capable aircraft to the Korean region earlier this year clearly reaffirmed the power and relevance of our nuclear deterrent. Given that the U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees our nation’s nuclear forces and strategic defenses, is located in our state, Nebraskans have a unique understanding of the critical role still played by a robust nuclear deterrent.

Rather than pursuing a world “without nuclear weapons,” I believe we must confront the reality of growing global threats with enhanced American strength. As our nation celebrates the 237th year of its independence, we must renew our efforts to ensuring the United States military remains the finest fighting force the world has ever known. A strong, free America is the key to a more peaceful world.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

Deb Fischer
United States Senator