The Reykjavik Revolution: Putting Deterrence into Question

In this 1986 article from The Washington Post titled "The Reykjavik Revolution: Putting Deterrence in Question," Henry Kissinger discusses the implications of the Reykjavik summit and its potential impact on arms control negotiations. He highlights three main components of what he calls the "Reykjavik revolution": an agreement to reduce strategic forces by 50 percent with a moratorium on Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), the withdrawal of U.S. and Soviet missiles from Europe, and proposals to eliminate ballistic missiles or all nuclear weapons. Kissinger argues that a 50 percent reduction in strategic forces would not effectively address vulnerabilities and may increase the risk to civilian populations. He expresses concern that the Reykjavik proposals undermine the credibility of the deterrent and diminish the possibility of nuclear retaliation. Kissinger also criticizes the emphasis on arms control diplomacy, which he believes neglects political conflicts and risks strategic instability. He suggests that negotiations should be based on a vision of a more secure world and calls for a reassessment of NATO strategy and improved conventional military balance in Europe. Kissinger urges the President to choose a path that will ultimately enhance global security and warns against the demoralizing effects of aiming to abolish nuclear weapons completely.