Summary: | This book presents the strategic consequences of both deep nuclear reductions and complete disarmament in the United States. Christine M. Leah argues that, given the extent of nuclear weapons' influence on US strategic thinking and the implications for international security, further reductions beyond current Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) levels may not necessarily be a prudent idea. Nuclear weapons have contributed to the avoidance of major wars between states, both lengthened and legitimized alliances, and have made arms control relatively easier to conceptualize and manage. As such, Leah argues, the mutual control of nations and weapons may become even more difficult to manage if nuclear weapons are marginalized. This book is thus about the future of nuclear weapons, geopolitics, and strategy.
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