Maintaining Nuclear Stability in South Asia

Argues that, while nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles cast a shadow over Indo-Pakistani relations, they do not create strategic stability. He asserts that the development of command and control mechanisms would enhance stability, but that diplomatic steps focused on missiles must also be considered. Improved command and control and diplomatic engagement will provide some insurance that nuclear weapons are not used in any future conflict.

Neil Joeck is currently on sabbatical leave working as a Research Associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). He is employed as a political analyst in the Directorate for Nonproliferationm Arns Control and International Security and the Center for Global Security Research at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California, USA. His primary area of concern is nuclear proliferation and South Asian security, and he has also recently completed research projects on nuclear use doctrine and North-east Asian security issues. Dr Joeck was also a member of the US Council on Foreign Relations 1996 Task Force on South Asia. He has contributed to the Journal of Strategic Studies, Energy and Technology Review, and the Los Angeles Times, as well as chapters in a number of edited books and LLNL reports to the US government.