Nuclear Posture and Technology Trends in South Asia and Ways Ahead

Abstract

The dynamics of nuclear posture and weapons technology development in South Asia are diverse and rapidly shifting. Without real measures to manage these, the situation can spiral out of control. Threat perceptions and misperceptions among the leadership of South Asian nuclear weapon states affect doctrinal and force posture shifts in the nuclear domain. Moreover, third parties play an increasingly important role in these dynamics. There is an impetus for creating and implementing risk reduction and arms control measures to address these various factors and their impact on nuclear posture and technology development. Keywords: South Asia, nuclear weapons, strategic stability, arms control, nuclear proliferation, emerging technologies