1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Multipolar Deterrence Research and Analysis Act of 2023 . 2. Research and analysis on multipolar deterrence and escalation dynamics (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with a university affiliated research center with expertise in strategic deterrence to conduct research and analysis on multipolar deterrence and escalation dynamics. (b) Elements The research and analysis conducted under subsection (a) shall include assessment of the following: (1) Implications for strategic deterrence and allied assurance given the emergence of a second near-peer nuclear power. (2) Potential alternative conventional, strategic, and nuclear force structures to optimize deterrence of two near- peer nuclear powers. (3) The contribution made by countervailing nonstrategic capabilities to strategic deterrence. (4) Escalation patterns arising from Russia’s Strategic Operations to Destroy Critically Important Targets operational concept and response options for the United States. (5) Multilateral efforts that could contribute to multipolar strategic deterrence and escalation dynamics. (6) Capabilities and operations sufficient to assure European and Pacific allies. (c) Report required (1) In general Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the results of the research and analysis conducted under subsection (a). (2) Form The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (d) Congressional defense committees defined In this section, the term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.