Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I)

Overview

On July 31, 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), marking a significant milestone in arms control and the reduction of nuclear arsenals during the late Cold War period. This treaty was a pivotal step in the efforts to curtail the arms race and promote global security.

Context

The Cold War era was characterized by intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, with both superpowers amassing large stockpiles of nuclear weapons. By the late 1980s, the need for arms control became increasingly apparent, driven by the desire to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and the economic burden of maintaining vast arsenals.

Key Events Leading Up to the Treaty

• Détente and Arms Control Efforts: The 1970s saw a period of détente, where both nations engaged in dialogue to ease tensions. This led to earlier treaties like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I and II), which laid the groundwork for future negotiations.

• Reagan and Gorbachev: The 1980s brought renewed efforts towards arms reduction, particularly under U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. Their meetings and negotiations were crucial in setting the stage for START I.

• Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF): Signed in 1987, the INF Treaty eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons and demonstrated the potential for successful arms control agreements.

The Treaty

Provisions

START I aimed to reduce and limit strategic offensive arms. Key provisions included:

• Reduction of Warheads: Both countries agreed to reduce their nuclear warheads to 6,000 each, with a limit of 1,600 delivery vehicles (intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers).

• Verification Measures: The treaty included comprehensive verification measures, such as on-site inspections and data exchanges, to ensure compliance by both parties.

Significance

• End of the Arms Race: START I was a major step towards ending the nuclear arms race, setting a precedent for future arms reduction agreements.

• Bilateral Cooperation: The treaty exemplified the potential for cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, even amidst ideological differences.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Implementation: START I entered into force on December 5, 1994, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The newly independent states of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, which inherited parts of the Soviet nuclear arsenal, joined the treaty as non-nuclear weapon states.

• Subsequent Treaties: The success of START I paved the way for further arms reduction agreements, including START II, which was signed in 1993, and the New START treaty, signed in 2010.

• Legacy: START I remains a cornerstone of strategic arms control, highlighting the importance of dialogue and negotiation in reducing nuclear threats and enhancing global security.

In conclusion, the signing of START I on July 31, 1991, was a landmark event in the history of arms control, reflecting a significant shift towards cooperation and the reduction of nuclear arsenals during the waning years of the Cold War.