Ethics and Nuclear Deterrence

The deterrence debate becomes more complex as nuclear weapons become more sophisticated. This book examines the ethical issues raised by nuclear policies and the debate between multilateralist and unilateralist approaches to disarmament and arms control. It includes essays by defense strategists and academics and churchmen, as well as an essay on attempts to mitigate the brutality of conventional wars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The deterrence debate becomes increasingly intricate as nuclear weapons continue to advance in sophistication. The 'Ban the Bomb' slogans of the 1950s have been replaced by calls for 'nuclear-free zones,' and discussions of 'megatonnage' and 'fallout' have given way to talks of 'tactical nuclear weapons' and 'limited strike capability.'

Originally published in 1982, this book explores the ethical dilemmas posed by nuclear policies and the ongoing debate between proponents of multilateralism and unilateralism in disarmament and arms control. Unlike many books on the subject, it does not present an ideological stance. Instead, it includes a diverse range of essays, written by defense strategists who advocate for deterrence and by academics and churchmen who vehemently oppose it. Additionally, the book includes an essay on efforts to mitigate the horrific brutality of the numerous 'conventional wars' since 1945.

At a time when the rhetoric and misinformation surrounding the debate continued to cloud many crucial aspects, this book emerged as a welcome, sensible, and indispensable contribution. It provided a much-needed platform for nuanced discussions and informed analysis, helping to shed light on the complex and multifaceted issues at the heart of the deterrence debate.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367536985