THE CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON THE STRATEGIC POSTURE OF THE UNITED STATES

The United States Institute of Peace facilitated the work of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States.  The Commission was tasked by Congress to "examine and make recommendations with respect to the long-term strategic posture of the United States."  Because that the definition of "strategic posture" is evolving, the Commission examined the nation's strategic posture in all of its aspects – deterrence strategy, arms control initiatives, and nonproliferation strategies.  This includes all roles of strategic weapons and tools to counter military threats to the United States and its allies, including missile defense.  Additionally, the Commission examined the relationship between the nation's military capabilities and both its arms control and nonproliferation strategies.

Learn more about the Commission

Final Report

The final report of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States provides over 100 findings and recommendations on critical issues related to U.S. nuclear strategy.  Key themes on which recommendations are focused include (1) challenges and opportunities inherent in the current security environment; (2) the roles, functions, and projection of U.S. nuclear forces, including missile defense; (3) the safety, security, and reliability of the nuclear stockpile; (4) the state of the nuclear weapons complex; (5) arms control and nonproliferation; and (6) additional steps for the prevention of proliferation and the protection against nuclear use.

View and download the Final Report

Latest News

The Strategic Posture Commission’s Chairman, Dr. William J. Perry, and its Vice Chairman, Dr. James Schlesinger, testified on May 6 before the House Armed Services Committee on the Commission’s final report.

Watch the House committee’s webcast video

On May 7, Dr. Perry and Dr. Schlesinger testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Read their opening remarks

Strategic Posture Commission Holds Press Conference for Final Report
May 6, 2009 | Audio Archive | Listen to an audio recording of this event

Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States Issues Final Report
May 6, 2009 | Press Release

Strategic Posture Commission to Deliver Report to White House, Congress
April 30, 2009 | Media Advisory

Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States Sends Interim Report to Congress
December 15, 2008 | Press Release