The Security Watershed: Russians Debating Defense and Foreign Policy after the Cold War

This book, first published in 1993, examines the changes in US and USSR international security policies and arms control, including competing Russian views on arms control agreements and military reforms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book, originally published in 1993, offers a detailed and analytical examination of the significant shifts in international security policies observed between the United States and the Soviet Union during the pivotal period of the Cold War. It delves into the pivotal events and developments that shaped the realm of arms control, providing a comprehensive analysis of the competing Russian perspectives on arms control agreements and military reforms.

The book begins by providing a historical backdrop, tracing the evolution of the Cold War and its impact on global security. It then delves into the intricate dynamics between the two superpowers, examining their respective strategies, interests, and vulnerabilities. The author highlights the key events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, and the end of the Cold War itself.

In the subsequent chapters, the book explores the changes in international security policies pursued by the United States and the Soviet Union. It examines the development of new security institutions, such as the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union, and their role in promoting stability and security in the post-Cold War era. The author also discusses the emergence of new threats, such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and regional conflicts, and the challenges they posed to international security.

One of the distinguishing features of this work is its detailed analysis of competing Russian views concerning arms control agreements and military reforms. The author provides a comprehensive overview of the various Russian perspectives, including those of political leaders, military officials, and academic experts. This analysis helps to shed light on the complex and often conflicting dynamics between Russia and the West, particularly in the context of arms control and security.

The book also examines the role of nuclear weapons in international security and their impact on global stability. It discusses the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the development of nuclear deterrence theory, and the challenges associated with the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons. The author argues that the continued possession and deployment of nuclear weapons pose a significant threat to global security and that efforts to reduce and eliminate them must be a priority for international policymakers.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of international security and arms control. It provides a comprehensive and analytical examination of the changes in international security policies of the USA and USSR at the end of the Cold War, as well as the main events that occurred in the area of arms control. The detailed analysis of competing Russian views concerning arms control agreements and military reforms adds an important dimension to the study, providing insights into the complex and often conflicting relationships between Russia and the West.

Weight: 1220g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367629069