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The Other Side of Arms Control: Uncovering the Untold Truths

W. Somerset Maugham

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Published in The Other Side Of Arms Control: Soviet Objectives In The Gorbachev Era (Routledge Library Editions: Nuclear Security 31)

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In the realm of international relations, arms control has often been hailed as the bastion of peace and nuclear disarmament. However, beneath the surface lies a complex and often overlooked narrative that challenges conventional wisdom and reveals the hidden intricacies of this pivotal field.

The Other Side of Arms Control: Soviet Objectives in the Gorbachev Era (Routledge Library Editions: Nuclear Security 31)

The Other Side of Arms Control: Soviet Objectives in the Gorbachev Era (Routledge Library Editions: Nuclear Security Book 31)

by Alan B. Sherr

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2206 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	343 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Challenging the Status Quo

For decades, the dominant discourse on arms control has focused on the imperative of nuclear disarmament as the ultimate path to global security. This perspective, while well-intentioned, has inadvertently sidelined alternative viewpoints that offer valuable insights and challenge the established rhetoric.

The authors of "The Other Side of Arms Control" argue that a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of arms control is essential. They contend that conventional arms, missile defense systems, and space-based weaponry play significant roles in shaping international power dynamics and strategic stability.

Nuclear Disarmament: A Complex Equation

While nuclear disarmament remains a noble goal, the authors caution against simplistic approaches that fail to consider the multifaceted nature of the issue. They argue that nuclear weapons, while possessing immense destructive potential, also serve as a deterrent against aggression and maintain a delicate balance of power among major nations.

The book explores the complexities of nuclear disarmament, highlighting the challenges of verification, the risk of nuclear proliferation, and the geopolitical implications of a world without nuclear weapons.

The Role of Conventional Arms

Often overshadowed by nuclear arsenals, conventional arms play a crucial role in international relations and armed conflict. The authors delve into the dynamics of conventional arms trade, the impact of advanced weapon systems, and the potential for escalation in regional conflicts.

They argue that a comprehensive arms control framework must address the proliferation of conventional weapons and explore measures to reduce the risk of their use in future conflicts.

Missile Defense and Space Security

The emergence of missile defense systems and the militarization of space have introduced new dimensions to arms control. The authors analyze the complexities of missile defense, its implications for strategic deterrence, and the potential for an arms race in space.

They emphasize the need for transparency, cooperation, and dialogue to prevent the erosion of strategic stability and the weaponization of outer space.

The Importance of Dialogue and Cooperation

Throughout the book, the authors stress the paramount importance of dialogue and cooperation in advancing arms control. They argue that open communication and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives are essential to finding common ground and building trust among nations.

They advocate for a multilateral approach to arms control that embraces a wide range of stakeholders, including non-nuclear weapons states, civil society organizations, and experts from various fields.

The Other Side of Arms Control is a groundbreaking work that challenges conventional wisdom and provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the field. It unveils the hidden narratives, exposes the complexities, and offers fresh perspectives that will shape future discussions on arms control and international security.

For anyone seeking to understand the true nature of arms control, this book is an indispensable resource that will broaden horizons and provoke critical thinking. It is a must-read for policymakers, academics, students, and anyone interested in the future of global security.

The Other Side of Arms Control: Soviet Objectives in the Gorbachev Era (Routledge Library Editions: Nuclear Security Book 31)

by Alan B. Sherr

4.7 out of 5