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Nuclear weapons are no deterrent to war

A new study, The Changing Political Utility of Nuclear Weapons: Nuclear Threats from 1970 to 2010, by Samuel Black at the Washington-based Stimson Center, challenges this myth head-on

The myth that has gone nuclear,  livemint.com, 5 Sept 10, Nuclear weapons have increased the potential of both conventional war and asymmetrical attacksW Pal SidhuAmong modern myths, perhaps none is more fantastic than the notion that nuclear weapons are solely responsible for the absence of war between nuclear-armed antagonists……

A new study, The Changing Political Utility of Nuclear Weapons: Nuclear Threats from 1970 to 2010, by Samuel Black at the Washington-based Stimson Center, challenges this myth head-on. Black presents two sobering conclusions based on an empirical examination of official nuclear threats made publicly……
Instead, nuclear weapons have increased the potential of both conventional war and asymmetrical attacks……
While there is, clearly, a temptation to create the comforting legend of nuclear weapons as manna from heaven that will end the scourge of war for evermore, it is a dangerous delusion. The stark reality is that nuclear weapons by themselves cannot ensure peace. That elusive state of amity is only feasible by not making threats using N-weapons, establishing a code of conduct for managing the nuclear dyad, and lots of good luck. So far India and Pakistan have gotten by with sheer luck.

The myth that has gone nuclear – Views – livemint.com

September 6, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | resources - print | antinuclear, nuclear weapons