Actical Nuclear Weapons in Contemporary Military Strategy: Risks, Capabilities, and Doctrinal Evolution

Recent geopolitical tensions — especially the Russian-Ukrainian conflict — have revived concerns regarding tactical nuclear weapons. This paper explores the blurred line between tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, examining their capabilities, doctrinal relevance, and current deployment status. Through qualitative analysis based on open-source intelligence and official defense publications, the study identifies key developments in Russia’s tactical nuclear arsenal, NATO’s defensive posture, and the United States' modernization efforts. The paper concludes that while the probability of actual nuclear use remains low, the proliferation and doctrinal normalization of tactical nuclear weapons constitute a serious threat tointernational security in the 21st century.