(Download) "Deterrence During Disarmament" by James M. Acton * Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Deterrence During Disarmament
- Author : James M. Acton
- Release Date : January 22, 2014
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 902 KB
Description
After two decades of stagnation, Russia and the United States have pledged their support for reductions in nuclear warheads. But the vision of mutual disarmament remains plagued by doubts on all sides. Russia, the US and American allies struggle as ever with the notion that downsizing would be a step into the unknown, and hold on to the belief that, when it comes to deterrence, size matters. Until now, the reasons behind this anxiety – and whether it is justified – have not been properly explored. Based on a series of interviews with opinion formers in Russia and the US, this Adelphi examines long-held concerns about the effectiveness of deterrence (including extended deterrence) at low numbers, the possible incentives to use nuclear weapons first in a crisis, the potential for rearmament and risks surrounding nuclear multipolarity.
Deep reductions in nuclear arsenals are much less problematic than commonly perceived, as the experience of the USSR and the US in the early Cold War, and China, France and the United Kingdom over a longer period demonstrates. Taking into account these examples, together with potential stumbling blocks and crisis scenarios, this book contends that arsenal size has little bearing on many of the security challenges usually associated with low numbers, and accordingly, that making deep cuts would not undermine international security.
‘James Acton has analysed and rebutted the arguments that have been made against the proposition that the process of eliminating nuclear weapons can enhance national security. Whichever side of the argument readers support, they will find an exceptionally thorough and well-informed examination of the issues raised by this essential public debate.’
George P. Shultz, former US Secretary of State and Fellow of the Hoover Institution, Stanford University
‘I have been reading literature on nuclear weapons policy for more than 50 years. This is as careful, conscientious and reliable as it gets.’
Thomas C. Schelling, Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland, and author of Arms and Influence