Special Reports are longer, often more technical, documents consisting of entire articles, government statements, and other documents relevant to security and peace in Northeast Asia.
NAPSNet, Special Reports
UNITED KINGDOM: NUCLEAR WEAPON COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS
JOHN GOWER SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, John Gower states that the UK Nuclear Weapon Command Control and Communications (UK NC3) architecture is designed and operated to support SSBN strategic nuclear deterrence in all foreseeable circumstances from peacetime to nuclear conflict. “Through multiple paths and frequencies, fall-back and alternative systems and […]
Go to the articleEMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, EMERGING CHALLENGES — THE POTENTIAL EMPLOYMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN FUTURE PLA NC3
ELSA B. KANIA SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Elsa Kania assesses how emerging technologie…
Go to the articleTHE NON-STATE DIMENSION OF NUCLEAR COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS
GARY A. ACKERMAN AUGUST 29, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Gary Ackerman introduces how violent non-state actors (VSNAs) may approach the command and control of nuclear weapons. He suggests that understanding the complexity presented by VNSA NC3 entails considering “traditional concepts of state NC3 (such as the always/never dilemma) and dynamics that are […]
Go to the articleNUCLEAR COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS: US COUNTRY PROFILE
JEFFREY LARSEN AUGUST 22, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Jeffrey Larsen reviews the legacy NC3 system of the United States now in the midst of a sea-change. He concludes: “The need to ensure robust existing capabilities for the current system, plus the desire to create a new system that is more than a […]
Go to the articleNC3 DECISION MAKING: INDIVIDUAL VERSUS GROUP PROCESS
ALEX WELLERSTEIN AUGUST 8, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Alex Wellerstein sketches a framework for thinking about how concentrated nuclear use authority should be at the top. While he discusses specific US proposals for reform in response to the debate about President Donald Trump’s fitness, the scope of his analysis is global and […]
Go to the articleCOMMAND AND CONTROL OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN INDIA
M.V. RAMANA & LAUREN J. BORJA AUGUST 1, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, M.V. Ramana and Lauren Borja state that Indian nuclear weapons reportedly are “controlled by the Nuclear Command Authority, a two layered structure, one of which is headed by the Prime Minister. Nuclear command and control in India,” they conclude, “has […]
Go to the articleAN ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE ON AVOIDING INADVERTENT NUCLEAR WAR
NANCY LEVESON JULY 25 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Nancy Leveson argues that using conservative techniques and avoiding software in critical functions in NC3 systems circumvented nuclear catastrophe in the past. Today, she concludes, a new approach is needed that avoids unnecessary complexity; emphasizes less not more technology; and improves NC3 systems by developing […]
Go to the articleNUCLEAR COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
FIONA S. CUNNINGHAM JULY 18 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Fiona Cunningham describes the origins of China’s NC3 system and its primary role in supporting China’s land-based missile force. She outlines recent developments including mobility, “informatization” and automation of parts of the NC3 system, pending deployment of nuclear missile submarines, early warning systems, evolving […]
Go to the articleRUSSIA’S NC3 AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
LEONID RYABIKHIN JULY 11 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Leonid Ryabikhin argues that distrust, misunderstanding and concern prevail in US/NATO and Russia relations “which increases the risk of unintended or accidental conflict. Human or technical mistakes and a variety of natural events can cause the failure or malfunction of technical systems and errors […]
Go to the articleAN EXAMINATION OF THE US NC3 INDUSTRIAL AND INNOVATION BASE
ELVERT L. GARDNER July 2, 2019 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Elvert Gardner describes NDU’s inaugural NC3 study course on the readiness of the industrial base to support US NC3 modernization and supply chain risks that may impede DoD’s ability to purchase technology in a timely and affordable manner. Colonel Elvert Gardner is an […]
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