Which treaty, signed in December 1987, eliminated medium-range nuclear missiles?

Which treaty, signed in December 1987, eliminated medium-range nuclear missiles?

• A. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
• B. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
• C. Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
• D. Non-Proliferation Treaty

Answer: (C)

The treaty signed in December 1987 that eliminated medium-range nuclear missiles is the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, commonly referred to as the INF Treaty. This agreement was a significant step in arms control, specifically addressing the deployment of nuclear and conventional missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The treaty was aimed at reducing the overall nuclear threat during a period of heightened tensions during the Cold War, particularly between the United States and the Soviet Union. The INF Treaty led to the elimination of a specific category of nuclear missiles, marking a crucial moment in efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict in Europe and highlighting a shift towards diplomatic resolutions to arms control. Its effectiveness is evidenced by the dismantling of nearly 2,700 missiles as a result of the treaty's enforcement. While the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty focuses on reducing the total number of strategic nuclear weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty addresses nuclear testing but does not specifically deal with missile elimination. Similarly, the Non-Proliferation Treaty primarily aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy rather than addressing existing missile stockpiles. Therefore, the INF Treaty remains the appropriate answer as it directly pertains to the elimination of medium-range nuclear missiles.

The treaty signed in December 1987 that eliminated medium-range nuclear missiles is the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, commonly referred to as the INF Treaty. This agreement was a significant step in arms control, specifically addressing the deployment of nuclear and conventional missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The treaty was aimed at reducing the overall nuclear threat during a period of heightened tensions during the Cold War, particularly between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The INF Treaty led to the elimination of a specific category of nuclear missiles, marking a crucial moment in efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict in Europe and highlighting a shift towards diplomatic resolutions to arms control. Its effectiveness is evidenced by the dismantling of nearly 2,700 missiles as a result of the treaty's enforcement.

While the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty focuses on reducing the total number of strategic nuclear weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty addresses nuclear testing but does not specifically deal with missile elimination. Similarly, the Non-Proliferation Treaty primarily aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy rather than addressing existing missile stockpiles. Therefore, the INF Treaty remains the appropriate answer as it directly pertains to the elimination of medium-range nuclear missiles.