The Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report on Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons, which focuses on nuclear readiness and deterrence. The document outlines a number of issues for Congress. You can download this CRS document here: https://forwardobserver.com/library/crs-nonstrategic-nuclear-weapons/
Summary
The Russian approach to nuclear policy in recent years is focused largely on low-yield and strategic-use nuclear devices in the event of under performance by conventional military forces. Unfortunately, accountability of low-yield devices was not included in Soviet-era inspection treaties or the various New START initiatives. As such, the U.S. is unable to ascertain the true status of Russia’s various nuclear devices including, “mines, artillery, short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missiles; cruise missiles; and gravity bombs”. As a result of this uncertainty, the U.S. maintains 100 nonstrategic nuclear weapons which are often cited by Russia as the primary reason they will not renegotiate new non-proliferation or disarmament treaties.
The onus for Congress set out in this report is to continue pushing for transparency measures and fund recommended nonstrategic nuclear systems for defense in East Asia and Eastern Europe as the military alliance between China and Russia deepens. The view of many defense analysts is that allowing either nation to complete modernization initiatives without a proportionate increase in U.S. capability will degrade international stability as territorial expansion by Russia or China is certainly on the docket. – D.M.