Nuclear Weapons and Nonproliferation (Contemporary World Issues (hardcover)): A Reference Handbook Book

This book covers the parallel development of nuclear weapons and associated nonproliferation efforts from the start of the U.S. atomic bomb program during World War II to the current debates over nuclear terrorism, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, missile defenses, and nuclear weapons dismantlement. It also provides a thorough reference on a host of issues related to international nonproliferation treaties and regimes, as well as popular efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The book offers: 1. Short histories of the bomb-building programs of states that have openly tested nuclear weapons (the United States, the Soviet Union/Russia,Britain, France, China, India, and Pakistan). It also describes the still-covert Israeli nuclear program, as well as countries known or reputed to be seeking nuclear weapons today (Iraq, Iran, and North Korea). Finally, it provides useful historical data on other countries that started but eventually abandoned nuclear weapons programs. 2. Information on the major historical events and actors in nuclear nonproliferation, including international negotiations and regimes as well as popular movements. 3. Debate questions that discuss competing theories and perspectives of key issues, including political, security, environmental, health, and financial questions raised by nuclear weapons proliferation. 4. A detailed chronology of nuclear weapons development and concurrent international and bilateral efforts to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons. 5. A complete list of organizations involved in nonproliferation efforts,as well as print and non-print resources on both weapons questions and nonproliferation efforts. This volume is a one-stop source for research on nuclear weapons programs,the Cold War, arms control, international organizations, and the incentives and disincentives for developing and maintaining nuclear arsenals.Read More