Abstract
Atomic weapons are universally considered as political weapons. Consequently, possession of nuclear weapons requires clear articulation regarding its purpose or use. States possessing these weapons articulate the role of nuclear weapons in their respective national security strategies through their nuclear doctrine or policy. A state’s nuclear policy or doctrine is, also, a declaration of the strategic interests vital to the state, for whose protection it will resort to the use of ultimate weapon. It also enables a state to act purposefully in the face of the challenges confronting its security. In other words, it reflects a rationale for acquiring nuclear weapons and importance of those weapons in the broader national security framework.
Nuclear policy is reflected on three levels i.e., declaratory, operational and force structure. Additionally, deterrence is the primary goal of nuclear policy of all nuclear weapons states. Moreover, strategic nuclear policy must factor in how the adversary calculates its risks in the eventuality of a war.