Eric Herring

These studies concentrate on preventing the use of weapons of mass destruction. A common argument runs through all of the papers: that, while complacency must be avoided, much of the post-Cold War focus among Western governments on the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction is alarmist.

Preventing the Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction

Instead of concentrating on the prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction, these studies concentrate on preventing their use. A common argument runs through all of the papers: that, while complacency must be avoided, much of the post-Cold War focus among Western governments on the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction is alarmist. Beyond this shared ground, the contributors are diverse in their approaches and in many of their conclusions. The first three provide critiques of Western policy as in some ways having the unintended effect of increasing rather than reducing the chances of the use of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons. The next three address themselves to contexts which may influence the use of WMD, again especially nuclear weapons. The last two authors challenge widely-held assumptions among those worried about how to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Barry Buzan

Research Professor of International Studies Centre for the Study of Democracy Barry Buzan

What is the relationship between the arms dynamic and world politics? How has that relationship changed? Considering the set of factors that influence the nature of armed forces, this comprehensive book puts these questions into historical and analytical perspective.

Eric Herring

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