Deter, Assure, Strike: Building Nuclear Deterrence for the 21st Century

The threats to our nation have changed dramatically since our nuclear arsenal was first designed and fielded more than three decades ago. MITRE recommends that before
the United States spends $1 trillion over the next 30 years to modernize its nuclear enterprise, it conduct a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) to reassess and revise its policy,
strategy, capabilities, and force posture. The NPR will help the administration re-focus the nation’s nuclear enterprise to better respond to the world’s current—and future—
complex and turbulent environment.

Note: Transition of power after a Presidential election is complicated; preparing the federal government for a seamless shift to a new administration is crucial to continuing important work on behalf of the American people. MITRE will inform this transition by sharing our insights and experiences with those involved in transition planning and with leaders in the next administration. Our recommendations derive from the ongoing, practical guidance we provide our federal agency sponsors as they face critical national challenges.

This paper is part of a collection provided to our government sponsors; it supports MITRE’s focus on assisting new administration and career civil service leaders through the transition and beyond to achieve results that matter. To view all the papers in the collection, use the "Federal Transition" link in Topics, above.