Nuclear strategy and world security: annals of Pugwash 1984

In 1984 a low point was reached in inter national relations, particularly between the superpowers. The deployment by NATO of Pershing Ils and cruise missiles in Europe and the counter-deployment by the Warsaw Pact countries, the failure to halt the militarization of space, and the lack of progress for a chemical weapons convention, gave further twists to the already dangerous spiral of the arms race. Nuclear weapons-the modern sword of Damocles continued to threaten the survival of mankind.

In a year when all official negotiations to reduce nuclear arms remained deep-frozen, the Pugwash off-the-record discussions among influential scientists and public figures from both sides acquired special importance. The papers discussed-and presented in this volume-include measures to stop and re-appraise the nuclear arms race, 'defensive' postures of conventional armed forces in Europe, confinement of outer space for peaceful purposes, prohibition of chemical weapons, and security requirements in the Third World. The book also demonstrates how scientists can reinforce public opinion aimed at stopping the arms race.