Research Catalog

Title

Less is better : nuclear restraint at low numbers / Malcolm Chalmers.

Author

Chalmers, Malcolm, 1956-

Publication

Abingdon : published on behalf of the Royal United States Institute for Defense and Security Studies by Routledge Journals, 2012.

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Details

Additional Authors

• Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
• Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies

Description

vi, 121 p.; 24 cm.

Summary

Despite the rise of "new" security threats like terrorism, cyber-war and piracy, the terrible destructive power of nuclear weapons still hangs over the world. Discussion on further strategic nuclear arms reduction has tended to be dominated by the analysis of possible trade-offs between the US and Russia. But as the prospect of further cuts below "New START" levels is contemplated, increasing attention needs to be paid to the possible shape of a new, multi-power approach to nuclear restraint. While restraint at low numbers goes with the grain of thinking in most nuclear states, correct sequencing will be vital. Using the New START framework, attention could initially be focused on incremental decreases in US and Russian stocks of the most dangerous weapons. Thereafter, the other nuclear powers would need to take steps to limit the size and capabilities of their own arsenals in a process of mutual reductions. If successful, the benefits would be wide ranging: successful restraint amongst existing nuclear-armed states could engender trust, as well as provide mechanisms for reducing the risks of rapid escalation in the event of limited conflict. This book considers the various challenges and opportunities for ensuring restraint at low numbers in today's complicated web of bilateral nuclear relationships and in the context of the debate on "Global Zero."

Series Statement

Whitehall paper ; 78

Uniform Title

Whitehall paper series 78.

Subject

• Nuclear nonproliferation > International cooperation
• Nuclear disarmament > International cooperation
• Nuclear arms control > International cooperation
• Deterrence (Strategy)

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Introduction -- Catastrophic risks -- The logic of nuclear restraint -- The jigsaw of restraint -- Conclusions.

ISBN

• 9780415814225
• 0415814227

OCLC

• 822735334
• SCSB-11725923

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library