How do international systems deal with the threat and use of
weapons of war? In this sophisticated yet accessible analysis, a
leading strategic analyst takes readers deep into twentieth century
history to answer this question. Weapons of mass destruction, and
the counter threat of retaliation, have been central concerns in
strategic decision- making in World War I, the legacy of World War
II, and the Cold War era.
Few people can traverse issues of global confl ict with more
historical insight than George Quester. His writing is lucid, and
his information either new or imperfectly understood in the past.
Quester details the ways weapons of war have infl uenced the
forging of policies in the twenty-fi rst century. He argues for the
retention of appropriate weapons systems, but also for care in when
they are used. Priorities exist, but they depend on whether a state
is dealing with major powers or rogue states. And off ensive
weapons may well become an option in response to non-state
terrorist groups or for that matter state-sponsored terrorist
acts.
When aggression has already occurred, the world is less likely
to regard military response as a violation of the peace. Quester
cites Clausewitz's adage that the aggressor is always willing to
exploit the world's preference for peace. The rise of the human
rights movement adds more complexities to preemptive war and
prevention, since the line between civilian and military casualties
becomes increasingly blurred. The risks may be great, the choices
are few--but the needs of military policy making remain high on the
agenda. As a result, the concerns discussed here will be on the
global political agenda for years to come.
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