Deterrence and Nuclear Proliferation in the Twenty-First Century

This edited collection considers the future of nuclear weapons in world politics in terms of security issues that are important for U.S. and other policy makers. The spread of nuclear weapons also is related to the equally dangerous proliferation of other weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological weapons, and of ballistic missiles of medium and longer ranges.

Cold War studies of nuclear weapons emphasized the U.S.-Soviet relationship, deterrence, and bilateral arms control. A less structured post-Cold War world will require more nuanced appreciation of the diversity of roles that nuclear weapons might play in the hands of new nuclear states or non-state actors. As the essays suggest as well, the possibility of terrorism by means of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction introduces other uncertainties into military and policy planning. An important analysis for scholars, students, and researchers involved with defense, security, and foreign policy studies.

Offers expert prognosis about the role of nuclear weapons and nuclear arms control in future U.S. defense and security policy.

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Offers diverse perspectives on the role of nuclear weapons in the new world order and on the implications of the new world order for US security policy. Discusses the relations of nuclear weapons to American power, and presents post-Cold War nuclear scenarios. Outlines Russian-American nuclear stability issues, examines nonproliferation policy, and asks whether the US needs three strategic-retaliatory forces. Cimbala teaches political science at Penn State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

STEPHEN J. CIMBALA is Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Penn State University (Delaware County) and has contributed to the literature on international security, defense studies, and nuclear arms control for more than twenty years.