DEFINING SYSTEMIC INSTRUMENTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR BALANCE. APPLICABILITY TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
DEFINING SYSTEMIC INSTRUMENTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR BALANCE. APPLICABILITY TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Author(s): Mario MARINOV
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: nuclear weapons; arms control; systems theory; systemic instruments.
Summary/Abstract: The balance of power in strategic nuclear capabilities between the major global nuclear nation-states remains a consistent element in the dynamic of the contemporary international system of security relations. Within the expanding paradigm of adversarial relations, the qualitative and quantitative indicators of nuclear arsenals have shifted from a state of relative parity, defined by the Cold War and early post-Cold War era nuclear treaty regime, to an evolving state of disparity and uncertainty, degrading the global security environment. Within the following paper and within the systems theoretical approach towards understanding the international system of relations, the main systemic instruments in the provision of qualitative and quantitative limitations of nuclear arsenals will be defined. The paper will examine historical notions and examples of arms control and limitation instruments introduced in the contemporary era of the international system spanning from the beginning of the 20th century. Based on the established principles in the international system, the paper will then define and categorise the different instruments. The paper will also provide an overall estimation of the applicability of the listed systemic instruments to the current and future state of affairs in the strategic nuclear balance. Finally, the paper will seek to provide conclusions for the current and future national security priorities of the Republic of Bulgaria within the topics of both fostering approaches towards a state of deterrence, but also in assessing the risks and threats in the context of uncontrolled rearmament of nuclear powers.

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