Winning and Losing the Nuclear Peace: The Rise, Demise, and Revival of Arms Control

The absence of mushroom clouds during the Cold War was the greatest unacknowledged diplomatic achievement. Deterrence alone was too dangerous, so U.S. and Soviet leaders ventured into the unknown to devise guardrails for nuclear arms control. Nuclear weapons have not been used in warfare for three quarters of a century, but the nuclear peace is now imperiled by four nuclear-armed rivalries. Arms control needs to be revived and reimagined for Russia and China to prevent nuclear warfare.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The definitive guide to the history of nuclear arms control, written by a wise eavesdropper and masterful storyteller, Michael Krepon, delves into the profound impact of the Cold War on global security. The greatest unacknowledged diplomatic achievement of this era was the absence of mushroom clouds, a testament to the success of deterrence as a means of preventing nuclear warfare. However, it became evident that deterrence alone was insufficient to ensure peace. U.S. and Soviet leaders embarked on a risky journey to devise guardrails for nuclear arms control and treat the Bomb differently from other weapons. Despite facing numerous obstacles, they achieved a remarkable feat. For three quarters of a century, nuclear weapons have not been used in warfare.

In his book, "Winning and Losing the Nuclear Peace," Michael Krepon presents an in-depth history of how the nuclear peace was won by complementing deterrence with reassurance. This approach, which involved treaties such as the Ban on Atmospheric Testing and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, laid the foundation for a period of stability. However, the end of the Cold War led to a shift in priorities, with a focus on freedom of action. As a result, much of the diplomatic accomplishment achieved during the Cold War era was discarded, leaving the nuclear peace vulnerable.

Today, the nuclear peace is imperiled by no less than four nuclear-armed rivalries. The risk of nuclear conflict is higher than it has been in decades. Arms control needs to be revived and reimagined for Russia and China to prevent nuclear warfare. New guardrails must be erected to ensure that the world remains safe from the threat of nuclear annihilation.

"Winning and Losing the Nuclear Peace" is an engaging account of how the practice of arms control was built from scratch. It explores the successes and failures of various arms control agreements, from the Treaty of Moscow to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The book also sheds light on the political dynamics that shaped arms control negotiations, including the role of leaders such as Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.

In conclusion, the history of nuclear arms control is a complex and multifaceted narrative. While deterrence has played a crucial role in maintaining peace, it is not enough on its own. Arms control must be revived and reimagined to address the challenges of the modern world. By complementing deterrence with reassurance and establishing new guardrails, we can ensure that the nuclear peace is preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 982g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503638143