The Fragile Balance of Terror: Deterrence in the New Nuclear Age

The Fragile Balance of Terror examines the increasing fragility of nuclear deterrence in the twenty-first century due to military technologies, information ecosystems, nuclear rivalries, and dictatorial decision-making. It highlights the dangers posed by India, Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea and challenges the idea that the spread of nuclear weapons can create stable forms of nuclear deterrence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In the realm of nuclear policy and strategy, a profound exploration unfolds in The Fragile Balance of Terror. Drawing upon the expertise of esteemed experts, this book delves into an era characterized by the proliferation of nuclear powers. Among these emerging forces, some grapple with internal instability, while others are guided by the authoritarian rule of pathological personalist dictators. Moreover, many find themselves situated in regions teeming with volatility, a complex amalgamation of factors that contribute to the fragility of deterrence in the twenty-first century.

A convergence of forces drives this fragility. Military advancements that render arsenals vulnerable, a novel information ecosystem that expedites the swift transmission of both information and misinformation, nuclear rivalries involving three or more nuclear powers, and dictatorial decision-making that fosters impulsive choices all play pivotal roles. The nuclear threats posed by India, Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea loom large, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Edited by Vipin Narang and Scott D. Sagan, The Fragile Balance of Terror assembles a diverse array of rigorous and innovative scholars who undertake a comprehensive analysis of the deteriorating nuclear landscape. This book challenges the prevailing notion that the spread of nuclear weapons can establish stable forms of nuclear deterrence in the future. It compels scholars, pundits, and policymakers to reassess their perspectives and consider alternative approaches.

Contributors to this thought-provoking work include Giles David Arceneaux, Mark S. Bell, Christopher Clary, Peter D. Feaver, Jeffrey Lewis, Rose McDermott, Nicholas L. Miller, Vipin Narang, Ankit Panda, Scott D. Sagan, Caitlin Talmadge, Heather Williams, and Amy Zegart. Their insights and perspectives shed light on the complex dynamics shaping the nuclear world, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501767166