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Common Sense On Weapons Of Mass Destruction

In our post-9/11 world of shoe bombers and cyberterrorism, a crude nuclear device no larger than a baseball could devastate a major city. As we live in fear of attacks of unknown proportion, why do people remain confused and complacent in the face of potential disaster?Ambassador Thomas Graham Jr. believes that a tide of misinformation has led to the public’s lack of understanding of the vital issues. Here, in a straightforward and comprehensible style, Graham concisely provides the background necessary to understand the news and opinions surrounding WMDs. Common Sense on Weapons of Mass Destruction presents accessible, up-to-date facts on:-nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism-chemical and biological weapons-land mines and small arms-missile defense and WMDs in outer space-WMDs in the Middle East and Asia

Paperback: 200 pages

Publisher: University of Washington Press; 1St Edition edition (October 1, 2004)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 029598466X

ISBN-13: 978-0295984667

Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #872,195 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #153 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Biological & Chemical #247 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > International & World Politics > Arms Control #31957 in Books > History > World

Graham provides a good summary of the development of treaties and agreements meant to curb, and ultimately reduce the amount of weapons (nuclear and otherwise). The chapters are arranged logically and his writing style is clear. Jargon is at a minimum and there is a helpful glossary at the back of the book. His chapter on chemical and biological weapons is far too brief considering the prevalence of chemical and biological weapons used in wars going as far back as WWI. This is a minor foible though.I have only given it three stars because of two annoying features that pervade the book. Graham follows the Liberal school of foreign relations: international law, agreements, arbitration, the United Nations, ect. For Graham, "All states should pledge their commitment to the international rule of law and the preeminence of the Security Council in keeping the peace" (pg. 19). This is the only interpretation of events given in the book. This is also the weakness of the book as he places far too much emphasis, and therefore hope, on the negotiation process to avert war or conflict. Should negotiation fail-as in North Korea-or run into stalling tactics-as in Iran-what approach would Graham advocate, more negotiations? He is skeptical of realist interpretations and hostile to the unilateralist (he means Neoconservative, but never mentions it by name) interpretations of policy and strategy in the procurement and strategic importance of WMD. This in itself is not a problem until it is matched with his open hostility toward the current Bush administration. The result is an editorialized review of events past and present and predications for the future.He creates a caricature of the unilateralist brand of foreign policy.

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