A major debate has emerged in recent years, which centres on the future role of nuclear weapons in world politics. Focusing attention to the role of nuclear weapons in the post-cold war world, the book argues that unlike the debates which emerged during the cold war period, the contemporary debate has taken place largely in private, with only limited involvement by the general public. What is also significant is the traditional 'left-wing' versus Establishment divide has also largely disappeared. Furthermore, a growing number of senior military and defence officials and governments allied with the United States, openly advocate the abolition of nuclear weapons. One of the features of the post-cold war debate is that statesman and scholars alike have begun to think the unthinkable-to consider the possibility of reducing the size of nuclear arsenals, and eventually for abolishing them completely. Contributions from leading academics highlight the key themes that have emerged in this debate. The book aims to generate a wider debate about a subject which, despite the changes that have taken place over the last two decades, continues to be of supreme importance.
Reviews
This book is valuable in providing the reader a variety of cogently argued expert assessments of important and controversial policy matters * Stephen J. Cimbala, Contemporary Security Policy *
This excellent compilation of articles will convince even the most sceptical readers of the 'unavoidable importance of nuclear weapons', as George Quester puts it, and regrettably, of the difficulty there might be in preserving nuclear peace through the coming decades. * Therese Delpech, Int. Affairs, Vol.77, No.1, Jan 01. *
All experts on nuclear issues should read this book and reflect on its contents, while those outside this limited world will be able to recognise many diverse approaches to an issue that can hardly remain the exclusive property of experts. * Therese Delpech, Int. Affairs, Vol.77, No.1, Jan 01. *
"This is a very important book, peculiarly apt for the new millennium...The authors are all world-class experts on nuclear weapons, and on the ramifications of nuclear politics, nuclear strategy and nuclear dangers." The Tablet, 11/03/2000, Brian Wicker



Book Information
ISBN 9780198296249
Author John Baylis
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 242mm * 164mm * 19mm