Framing nuclear deterrence and international law: U.S. National Security Strategy and the construction of Russia as a threat (1987–2022)

This article examines how the United States has framed nuclear deterrence and international law within its National Security Strategies (NSSs) from 1987 to 2022, with particular attention to the evolving construction of Russia as a strategic threat. Using qualitative content analysis supported by artificial intelligence-assisted textual classification, the study explores how successive administrations—from Obama through Trump to Biden—interpret the legal and normative foundations of the international order, and how these interpretations shape the perceived legitimacy, purpose and scope of U.S. nuclear deterrence. The findings demonstrate that threat construction is not merely a response to material realities; rather, it is rooted in discursive practices that link Russia’s behaviour to violations of international law, sovereignty and the rules-based order. By integrating insights from framing theory, securitisation and international legal norms, the article highlights how nuclear strategy and law intersect to produce shifting narratives that influence U.S. policy, alliance commitments and broader geopolitical dynamics in Europe.