Nuclear Weapons: Law, Policy, and Practice

Russia and the United States are in a new nuclear arms race, with the risk of other States turning to nuclear arms for their defense. A global nuclear ban treaty entered into force in 2021, but the nuclear powers kept distant.

Format: Hardback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The world is witnessing a resurgence of a nuclear arms race between Russia and the United States, with a particular focus on the technology of delivering nuclear warheads. This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of how and why this race has emerged, who currently possesses nuclear weapons, and the legal constraints that govern their use under international law. While a global nuclear ban treaty came into force in January 2021, the nuclear powers have maintained a cautious distance from each other. However, the expiration of the last remaining treaty restraining the arsenals of these two nuclear superpowers in less than five years raises concerns that other states may resort to nuclear arms for their defense, further undermining the non-proliferation regime established after the Cuban missile crisis.

The nuclear arms race between Russia and the United States is driven by a complex interplay of geopolitical, military, and economic factors. Russia, as a resurgent power, seeks to assert its influence and secure its interests in the global arena. In contrast, the United States, as the world's sole superpower, maintains its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against potential threats and as a means of projecting power.

One of the key drivers of the nuclear arms race is the modernization of nuclear weapons delivery systems. Russia has been investing heavily in developing advanced missile systems, including the SS-18 Satan and the SS-27 Sarmat, which are capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and reaching far-off targets. The United States, on the other hand, has been upgrading its own missile defense systems, including the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, to counter these Russian advancements.

Another factor contributing to the nuclear arms race is the competition for regional dominance. Both Russia and the United States have been engaged in military operations and proxy wars in various parts of the world, seeking to influence the balance of power and protect their interests. The deployment of nuclear weapons in these conflicts could have catastrophic consequences, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.

The nuclear arms race also raises concerns about the stability of the international system. The proliferation of nuclear weapons could lead to the arms race among other states, further destabilizing the region and increasing the risk of nuclear conflict. Additionally, the lack of transparency and accountability in the nuclear weapons development and deployment process could undermine trust and cooperation among nations.

To address these challenges, there have been calls for the implementation of stricter international regulations and the promotion of nuclear disarmament. The Global Nuclear Ban Treaty, which entered into force in January 2021, aims to prohibit the production, possession, and use of nuclear weapons by all states. However, the treaty has faced challenges, including the lack of ratification by some nuclear-armed states and the continued development and deployment of nuclear weapons by others.

In conclusion, the nuclear arms race between Russia and the United States is a complex and concerning issue that requires urgent attention. The modernization of nuclear weapons delivery systems, competition for regional dominance, and the risk of nuclear conflict pose significant threats to global security and stability. It is essential that all states work towards the implementation of stricter international regulations and the promotion of nuclear disarmament to ensure that the use of nuclear weapons is never justified and that the world remains safe and peaceful.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 249 x 173 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316510858
Edition number: New ed