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Peacekeepers, effective deterrent or potential cause of ultimate disaster? Understanding what nuclear weapons are for has never been more essential.
This book traces the history of nuclear weapons from their first use in 1945 when they brought the Second World War to an end, through the Cold War when they gave rise to peace movements and disarmament efforts to the ominous nuclear landscape today.
Shamai shows how nuclear weapons have, to date, been a deterrent by raising the stakes of war and thereby reducing the chances of certain kinds of conflict. But, she warns, this is not a permanent situation – its continuation depends on the world’s reaction to this threat and ongoing vigilance.
“An accurate history and nuanced analysis of nuclear weapons’ impact on global politics – accessible and insightful for experts and non-experts alike.” Carlotta Minnella, European University Institute
“Understanding nuclear weapons is absolutely essential if we are to prevent their future use. This book does an excellent job of bringing clarity to an increasingly difficult problem." Andrew Futter, University of Leicester
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Origins
3. The Cold War
4. Taboos and Stigmas
5. Non-Proliferation, Arms Control and Popular Protest
6. After the Cold War
7. 9/11 and the Nuclear Threat
8. Conclusion
Notes
Further Reading