Book Description
If the nuclear balance of terror helped maintain the 'long peace' between the united States and the Soviet Union during the Cold Ware, will the spread of nuclear weapons to new states also help stabilize international relations in the future? In this increasingly complex world, how do issues such as global terrorism, missile defense, and the Indian-Pakistani conflict factor into the decisions states make about nuclear weapons? In The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: A Debate Renewed, two major international relations scholars resume their well-known dialogue about these important questions, as well as others. Kenneth Waltz, the dean of realist theory in international relations, expands on his argument that "more may be better," contending that new nuclear states will use their acquired nuclear capabilities to deter threats and preserve peace. Scott Sagan, the leading proponent of organizational theories in international politics, continues to make the counterpoint that "more will be worse": novice nuclear states lack adequate organizational controls over their new weapons, which makes for a high risk of either deliberate of accidental nuclear war. The global community has long been fascinated by—as well as terrified of—nuclear weapons. This short and engaging book is required reading for citizens and statesmen, as well as scholars and students.

About the Author
Scott D. Sagan is professor of political science at Stanford university and co-director of the Center for International Security and Cooperation. He is the author of The Limits of Safety: Organizations, Accidents, and Nuclear Weapons and Moving Targets: Nuclear Strategy and National Security. Kenneth N. Waltz is adjunct professor of political science at Columbia University. His books include Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis and Theory of International Politics.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

If the nuclear balance of terror helped maintain the 'long peace' between the united States and the Soviet Union during the Cold Ware, will the spread of nuclear weapons to new states also help stabilize international relations in the future? In this increasingly complex world, how do issues such as global terrorism, missile defense, and the Indian-Pakistani conflict factor into the decisions states make about nuclear weapons?In The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: A Debate Renewed, two major international relations scholars resume their well-known dialogue about these important questions, as well as others. Kenneth Waltz, the dean of realist theory in international relations, expands on his argument that "more may be better," contending that new nuclear states will use their acquired nuclear capabilities to deter threats and preserve peace. Scott Sagan, the leading proponent of organizational theories in international politics, continues to make the counterpoint that "more will be worse": novice nuclear states lack adequate organizational controls over their new weapons, which makes for a high risk of either deliberate of accidental nuclear war. The global community has long been fascinated by—as well as terrified of—nuclear weapons. This short and engaging book is required reading for citizens and statesmen, as well as scholars and students.

Author Biography: Scott D. Sagan is professor of political science at Stanford university and co-director of the Center for International Security and Cooperation. He is the author of The Limits of Safety: Organizations, Accidents, and Nuclear Weapons and Moving Targets: Nuclear Strategy and National Security. Kenneth N. Waltz is adjunct professor of political science at Columbia University. His books include Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis and Theory of International Politics.

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