Routledge Common Sense and Nuclear Warfare

Product Description Available for the first time in many years, Commonsense and Nuclear Warfare presents Russell's keen insights into the threat of nuclear conflict, and his argument that the only way to end this threat is to end war itself. Written at the height of the Cold War, this volume is crucial for understanding Russell's involvement in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and his passionate campaigning for peace. It remains an extremely important book in today's uncertain nuclear world, and is essential reading for all those interested in Russell and postwar history. Includes a new introduction by Ken Coates, Chairman of The Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation. Review "Virtually the first words from the new administration in Washington declared their intent to proceed energetically with the National Missile Defense program, in the face of warnings even from their own intelligence agencies that this will greatly enhance threats to global and US security. The Clinton administration had already urged Russia to move to a US-style "launch-on-warning" strategy, truly "bizarre," specialists warned, particularly because in light of the." "deterioriation of their control systems. Presidential directives continue to authorize first use even against non-nuclear states, and have extended nuclear capacities, which remain at the core of US strategic planning. Meanwhile proliferation proceeds in South Asia and the Middle East. In the face of such ominous threats, Bertrand Russell's eloquent and lucid analyses and warnings gain heightened significance, and should find a prominent place in the thinking of those who hope to reverse the seemingly inexorable drive towards self-destruction.." -Noam Chomsky