| ID | 122600 |
| Title Proper | Concept of virtual nuclear arsenals and "a world without nuclear weapons |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ichimasa, Sukeyuki |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Proposed by J. Schell and others in the Cold War era, the concept of virtual nuclear arsenals has been
a subject of debate. From the standpoint of the theory of nuclear disarmament, the concept has been
questioned on the basis of justifying the nuclear threat, infringing on the irreversibility requirement of
disarmament, and fixating the discriminatory structure of nuclear weapons. On the other hand, from
the viewpoint of the theory of nuclear deterrence, the problem of instability and feasibility inherent in
the concept and the idea of reconstructing nuclear arsenals that will decrease second strike capability
have been under harsh criticisms. Attempting to find new inter-linkages between the debates of
nuclear disarmament and deterrence theories over the vision of "a world without nuclear weapons"
proposed by the US Obama administration, this study sets out to examine the implications that the
concept of virtual nuclear arsenals may have on the current international security environment from
the two aspects of: nuclear deterrence and disarmament; and nuclear non-proliferation. |
| `In' analytical Note | NIDS Journal of Defense and Security vol. , No.13; Dec 2012: p.23-37 |
| Journal Source | NIDS Journal of Defense and Security vol. , No.13; Dec 2012: p.23-37 |
| Key Words | Nuclear Deterrence ; Nuclear Disarmament ; Nuclear Non - Proliferation ; International Security Environment ; United States ; Nuclear Threat ; Cold War |