The Democrats should argue for a policy of "minimum deterrence," which would mean reducing the long-range warheads on both sides to a minimum number, about 1,000 on each side and signing the test-ban treaty.

The same conflict existed during the cold war between proponents of counterforce deterrence and advocates of minimum deterrence.

He suggested going "part of the way" by exploring what the West means by "minimum" when it talks about "minimum deterrence."

The authors admit that their plans for minimum sufficient deterrence "are rough sketches only, intended to stimulate and encourage better artists and draftsmen."

According to one reliable source, the country adopted a three-point nuclear policy in early 2001 as part of the minimum credible deterrence.

Therefore, maintaining "minimum credible nuclear deterrence" would require Pakistan to review its nuclear policy.

The government officials maintained that while Pakistan will continue to act with responsibility avoiding an arms race, it will not remain oblivious to the imperative of maintaining "minimum credible nuclear deterrence".

He also concluded in the 90's that India needed only 150-odd warheads to achieve minimum deterrence.

Since detonating five underground blasts in the Pokhran Desert in May, India has spoken consistently of reaching a point of "minimum credible deterrence."