Disarmament Issues

Nuclear disarmament is a complex issue. The nuclear weapons states (NWS) have made these weapons an important part in their national security architecture. The experts have asserted that nuclear wars are not winnable. Security establishments and strategic experts state that the elimination of nuclear weapons will jeopardize the security of their countries. So ran the arguments when banning and proscription of the chemical weapons were under discussion. As in that case, so in the case of nuclear weapons, what is required is the change in the mindsets. Thus, a view needs to be taken of the different countries’ position on the issue. Even if most analysts feel that the lead must come from the two major stockpile holders of this ‘abomination’, viz. the U.S.A. and Russia, it is only the collective will of the international community that may nudge these two towards the final elimination of their stocks. The book Disarmament Issues in two volumes has a wide coverage. Volume I presents various treaties including Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), Strategic Offensive Treaty (SOT); agreements, conventions, statements, speeches, remarks, etc. by eminent international leaders on disarmament issues. Volume II contains resolutions, remarks, statements and working papers on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, nuclear tests, prevention of war, etc. The book also offers a comprehensive Introduction that analyses various disarmament issues with special reference to NWS and their role in bringing about nuclear disarmament as well as India’s stance on Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), efforts to create a nuclear weapon free world, threat of nuclear terrorism and other disarmament issues. It will be useful to the students and teachers of defence and strategic studies, international relations, political science and scholars in these fields. It will also benefit policymakers, parliamentarians, government officials, etc. To those concerned with world peace and security, the book will provide for an enriching and intellectually stimulating reading.