A Global History of the Nuclear Arms Race [2 volumes]: Weapons, Strategy, and Politics (Praeger Security International)

by Richard Dean Burns and Joseph M. Siracusa

0 ratings • 0 reviews • 0 shelved
Book cover for A Global History of the Nuclear Arms Race [2 volumes]
Shelve It

Bookhype may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

Written by two preeminent authors in the field, this book provides an accessible global narrative of the nuclear arms race since 1945 that focuses on the roles of key scientists, military chiefs, and political leaders.

The first book of its kind to provide a global perspective of the arms race, this two-volume work connects episodes worldwide involving nuclear weapons in a comprehensive, narrative fashion. Beginning with a discussion of the scientific research of the 1930s and 1940s and the Hiroshima decision, the authors focus on five basic themes: political dimensions, technological developments, military and diplomatic strategies, and impact.

The history of the international nuclear arms race is examined within the context of four historical eras: America's nuclear monopoly, America's nuclear superiority, superpower parity, and the post-Cold War era. Information about the historical development of the independent deterrence of Britain, France, and China, as well as the piecemeal deterrence of newcomers Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea is also included, as is coverage of the efforts aimed at the international control of nuclear weapons and the diplomatic architecture that underpins the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.


  • Makes the case that nuclear weaponry gradually assumed political stature and came to dominate high-level diplomatic activity

  • Describes inherent problems posed by various delivery systems of nuclear weaponry

  • Draws connections between military strategy and nuclear arms control efforts as well as anti-missile systems

  • Identifies and assesses post-Cold War issues in dealing with nuclear terrorism

  • ISBN10 1440800944
  • ISBN13 9781440800948
  • Publish Date 23 April 2013 (first published 1 January 2013)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country US
  • Publisher ABC-CLIO
  • Imprint Praeger Publishers Inc
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 640
  • Language English