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Nuclear Myths and Political Realities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2014

Kenneth N. Waltz
Kenneth N. Waltz*
Affiliation:
University of California Berkeley
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Abstract

Two pervasive beliefs have given nuclear weapons a bad name: that nuclear deterrence is highly problematic, and that a breakdown in deterrence would mean Armageddon. Both beliefs are misguided and suggest that nearly half a century after Hiroshima, scholars and policy makers have yet to grasp the full strategic implications of nuclear weaponry. I contrast the logic of conventional and nuclear weaponry to show how nuclear weapons are in fact a tremendous force for peace and afford nations that possess them the possibility of security at reasonable cost.

Type
Articles
Information
American Political Science Review , Volume 84 , Issue 3 , September 1990 , pp. 730 - 745
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 1990

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