Overview

This book fills a clear gap in the literature for a technically-focused book covering nuclear proliferation and related issues post-9/11. Using a concept-led approach which serves a broad readership, it provides detailed overview of nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation and international nuclear policy. The author addresses topics including offensive and defensive missile systems, command and control, verification, weapon effects, and nuclear testing. A chronology of nuclear arms is presented including detailed discussion of the Cold War, proliferation, and arms control treaties.  The book is tailored to courses on nuclear proliferation, and the general reader will also find it a fascinating introduction to the science and strategy behind international nuclear policy in the modern era. 

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9783319797793

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Reviews

“Finally, a spritely, accessible overview of the nuclear world in historical context from someone who has both seen it from the U.S. State Department and Congressional policy trenches and taught it for 43 years. A gift to both concerned citizens and interested students.” Frank von Hippel, Prof. Public and International Affairs (emeritus), Princeton University “The threat of nuclear weapons has been with the world community for a long time. Global destruction was narrowly avoided three or four times or more during the Cold War with the use of such weapons remaining an immediate threat in some parts of the world, such as Northeast Asia and South Asia. Since the end of the Cold War the risk of terrorist acts committed with a nuclear weapon in addition has increased significantly. Lastly new militarily useable weapons such as cyber weapons have been added to the dangers that confront us. In order to develop workable policies to deal with this situation the threat must be understood from many perspectives: overall security policy, diplomatic, military, technical and so forth. David Hafmeister's outstanding new book provides the reader this essential review of the threat, taking into account its many manifestations in a careful and thorough way. It should not be missed.”Thomas Graham, Jr., former Special Representative of the President for Arms Controland Non-proliferation “Hafemeister's Nuclear Proliferation and Terrorism contains a wealth of information about nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. The reader -- whether professionally involved with these weapons or a citizen seeking to become better informed --  will come away with a sober appreciation of the dangers, and with increased insight into how the world seeks to eliminate them.”Pierce Corden, former Admin. Exec. Officer, Comprehensive Nuclear–Test–Ban Treaty Commission “Formore than 70 years since August 9, 1945, nuclear weapons have not been detonated in war, and terrorists have yet to acquire these weapons. Will humanity be so fortunate for the next 70 years? To learn what can and should be done to further reduce the risks of these and other dangers, read David Hafemeister’s excellent book.”Charles D. Ferguson, President, Federation of American Scientists

Finally, a spritely, accessible overview of the nuclear world in historical context from someone who has both seen it from the U.S. State Department and Congressional policy trenches and taught it for 43 years. A gift to both concerned citizens and interested students. Frank von Hippel, Prof. Public and International Affairs (emeritus), Princeton University The threat of nuclear weapons has been with the world community for a long time. Global destruction was narrowly avoided three or four times or more during the Cold War with the use of such weapons remaining an immediate threat in some parts of the world, such as Northeast Asia and South Asia. Since the end of the Cold War the risk of terrorist acts committed with a nuclear weapon in addition has increased significantly. Lastly new militarily useable weapons such as cyber weapons have been added to the dangers that confront us. In order to develop workable policies to deal with this situation the threat must be understood from many perspectives: overall security policy, diplomatic, military, technical and so forth. David Hafmeister's outstanding new book provides the reader this essential review of the threat, taking into account its many manifestations in a careful and thorough way. It should not be missed. Thomas Graham, Jr., former Special Representative of the President for Arms Controland Non-proliferation Hafemeister's Nuclear Proliferation and Terrorism contains a wealth of information about nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. The reader -- whether professionally involved with these weapons or a citizen seeking to become better informed -- will come away with a sober appreciation of the dangers, and with increased insight into how the world seeks to eliminate them. Pierce Corden, former Admin. Exec. Officer, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Commission For more than 70 years since August 9, 1945, nuclear weapons have not been detonated in war, and terrorists have yet to acquire these weapons. Will humanity be so fortunate for the next 70 years? To learn what can and should be done to further reduce the risks of these and other dangers, read David Hafemeister's excellent book. Charles D. Ferguson, President, Federation of American Scientists

Author Information

David Hafemeister is Professor (emeritus) of Physics at Cal Poly University. He was employed on national security matters by Senator John Glenn (1975-77), State Department (Special Assistant to Under Sec. of State on nuclear proliferation, 1977-79, 1987), Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (1990-92) and Governmental Affairs (1992-93), Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (1997), Study Director at the National Academy of Sciences (2000–2) and Stanford University Center for International Security and Cooperation (2005-06). He was the lead SFRC technical staff on the ratification of TTBT, CFE and START. His book, Physics of Societal Issues (Springer, 2007) attempts to quantify what is quantifiable. He was chair of the Los Alamos Nonproliferation-Division Review Committee (2003-­06).

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