A New Nuclear Century

Examines the issues related to the control of nuclear weapons in the early 21st century.

Booknews

Technical and policy issues of nuclear weapons are examined by Cimbala (political science, Penn State U.) and Scouras (Dyncorp National Security Programs). They examine models of deterrence stability, suggesting that the models need to be clarified with conceptions of prompt launch deterrence and crisis stability (the extent to which nuclear command and control is shock resistant to the possibility of accidental launch). They examine proliferation issues and suggest that if the major nuclear powers refuse to undertake drastic disarmament, they will inevitably be unable to persuade or coerce others toward nonproliferation. They also see significant strategic problems with missile defense systems, even if they function as desired. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

STEPHEN J. CIMBALA is Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Penn State University, Delaware County. His most recent books include Nuclear Strategy in the Twenty-first Century (Praeger, 2000) and Clausewitz and Chaos: Friction in War and Military Policy (Praeger, 2001).

JAMES SCOURAS is a Principal Scientist at DynCorp National Security Programs.