Exposure of annihilation: NATO's nuclear weapons in 70 years

The introduction of nuclear weapons profoundly changed international politics. It was the destiny of NATO to be the vanguard of this new era. For 70 years, nuclear weapons have been the most important source of security as well as insecurity for the alliance. Nuclear weapons were both troublesome and convenient for Norway. Norwegian basing policy, nuclear policy and policy on naval ship calls restricted Norwegian dealings with nuclear weapons. Yet, Norway enjoyed the benefits of NATO's nuclear policies and did not shield itself from piecemeal operational participation. With the end of the cold war, the significance of nuclear weapons were reduced. Today though, nuclear weapons issues are again shaping the security agenda. It is a common interest of the nuclear weapon states, and a responsibility of NATO, to secure that the 70-year history of non-use is extended indefinitely.