Nuclear Nonproliferation

Nuclear proliferation is not an easy topic, even for the most expert policy analysts. Phillip Margulies has written a clear narrative of way nuclear weapons were developed, the threat they pose, and the attempts that have been made to slow their proliferation. This volume in many respects takes the mystery out of nuclear weapons and why countries want to have them, which is a good starting point for students.

—Sharon Squassoni

Sr. Associate, Nonproliferation Program

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Description:

Nuclear Nonproliferation is part of the Global Issues series, which is designed to be a first-stop resource for research on the key challenges facing the world today. Each volume contains three sections, beginning with an introduction that clearly defines the issue, followed by detailed case studies of the issue's impact in the United States and several other countries or regions. The second section draws together significant U.S. and international primary source documents, and the third section gathers useful research tools-such as biographies, facts and figures, an annotated bibliography, and more. A foreword written by an expert in the field complements each volume. A chronology, glossary, and index provide additional help.

Sixty years after they were first developed, nuclear weapons do not appear to be closer to extinction. While there is widespread agreement on the threat nuclear weapons pose to humanity, there is also tacit agreement on the perception that they confer prestige and power upon those who possess them. The increased efforts to limit the spread of nuclear weapons and technology reflects a fear that has haunted scientists, political analysts, generals, and politicians since the atomic age began: concern that minor conflicts could escalate into nuclear war.

Following a detailed analysis of the issue, Nuclear Nonproliferation explores the threat of the spread of nuclear weapons and the potential solutions for four regions of the world-the United States, South Asia (India and Pakistan), the Middle East (Israel, Iraq, and Iran), and East Asia (North Korea). Tables, graphs, diagrams, and helpful primary source documents complete this comprehensive volume.

Target Audience: 

Students, researchers and academics in the area of Nuclear weapons and proliferation.