"This book covers a lot of ground -- from the stirrings of the 'new physics' early in the century to events of June 1988, notably the last meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, and Mr. Gorbachev's special conference of the Soviet Communist party some days later. In between came crises, confrontations, negotiations and even a few arguments, I have tried to relate much of that and to describe the historic effect of nuclear weapons on relations between adversaries, as well as the singular effects of these weapons on relations between allies"--Page xi.

Professor Knorr examines bends in the values which nations derive in their international relationships from the possession and use of both nuclear and non-nuclear military forces, and suggests that territorial conquest and the furtherance of economic benefits by military means have generally diminished in appeal. He inquires into the costs and disadvantages of military power-the greatly reduced security obtainable even by the major nuclear powers and the noticeable diminution in the legitimacy of international violence in its several forms. Originally published in 1966. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Using a number of recent conflicts such as Cuba, Korea, and Indochina, Halperin develops a theory of how and why nations use limited means to settle disputes when they possess infinitely greater means of destruction.

Given the disappointing history of arms control negotiations and agreements, disconcerting trends in the balance of power, and emerging technologies that challenge conventional assumptions about deterrence, new ways to promote security through negotiations must be identified and utilized if arms control is ever to play an integral role in enhancing deterrence and reducing instabilities. Confidence-building measures (CBMs) may offer one way out of the contemporary arms control morass. Instead of focusing on limiting the number and types of weaponry, CBMs are designed to control how, when, where, and why military activities occur. By clarifying military intentions and regulating the operations of military forces in times of both crisis and calm, CBMs can help diminish the opportunities for war arising from surprise attack or from miscalculation, accident, or failure of communication. This volume assembles leading CBM experts from government and academia to assess the utility of CBMs in a wide variety of areas. It is intended to serve as a basic primer on the subject, as well as to contribute to the ongoing national debate over the role of arms control in strengthening national security by analyzing new and fruitful avenues toward that over-riding objective.

First published in 1990. With the exception of Clausewitz, no reflective thinker has seriously engaged with the concept of war - with its persistent changeability and the dominant direction of its changes. The results of this failure are seen in the extreme logical weakness of most debates, during the last two centuries, on the possibility of eliminating war and, since 1945, on the possibility of eliminating nuclear weapons. Orderly, clear, and reflective, Understanding War develops two main theses: first, that the horrendous escalation of war's destructiveness in this century is primarily the result of the inherently cumulative character of war itself rather than of the application to war of recent science-based technologies; and second, that the irreversible destructiveness of nuclear weapons suggests how joint action by the superpowers could prevent their being used in any future war.

The author takes issue with the complacent belief that a happy mixture of deterrence, arms control and luck will enable humanity to cope adequately with weapons of mass destruction, arguing that the risks are ever more serious.

Dive into the heart of one of the most critical issues of our time with "Nuclear War: War and Peace in the Nuclear Age." This compelling book offers an unparalleled exploration into the complex realm of nuclear warfare, the fragile balance of deterrence, and the ceaseless quest for peace in an era defined by the potential for unprecedented destruction. With meticulous research, expert interviews, and riveting narratives, this book unveils the intricate tapestry of strategic, ethical, and technological challenges that have shaped the nuclear age. From the haunting shadows of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the modern dynamics of global power, "Nuclear War" illuminates the human stories behind the politics and the technologies that have brought humanity to the brink-and the wisdom that may lead us back. Key Features: - An in-depth examination of the historical, political, and technological landscape of nuclear warfare. - Insightful analysis of deterrence theory and its implications for global security. - Personal stories from the forefront of the nuclear era, revealing the human impact of nuclear policy and decision-making. - A thought-provoking look at the potential future scenarios of nuclear conflict and the pathways to peace. - Expert contributions from leading figures in military strategy, international relations, and scientific research. "Nuclear War: War and Peace in the Nuclear Age" is a must-read for historians, policymakers, scholars, and anyone concerned with one of the gravest threats to global peace and security. Engage with the critical debates, understand the complexities, and explore the possibilities for a future where humanity overcomes its greatest challenge yet. Join us on a journey through the nuclear age, and discover the delicate balance between war and peace in a world where the unthinkable has become possible.