Nuclear-weapon-free zone in Europe

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Sci. Am.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0483-37· OSTI ID:6136818

Blechman, B M; Moore, M R

The Geneva talks could lead to a nuclear-weapon-free zone separating Eastern and Western Euorpe, a step which could defuse tensions and reduce the risks of war. The politically feasible concept was first proposed in Common Security: a Blueprint for Survival, a report by a commission made up of Eastern, Western, and Third World nations. The case for a nuclear-weapon-free zone includes the precedent of Antarctica, outer space, the seabed, and Latin America. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) traditional stance has been that aggression in Europe could spark a nuclear response, but an asymmetry of US and Soviet presence is developing in Europe with the US at a geographical disadvantage. Some argue that a denuclearized zone would deprive Western Europe of the nuclear deterrent and strengthen the asymmetry in conventional weapons. Supporters of the idea counter that it would strengthen barriers to an accidental or precipitous nuclear exchange by increasing the response time. It would reduce but not eliminate the risk of nuclear war in Europe. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Roosevelt Center for American Policy Studies, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6136818
• Journal Information: Sci. Am.; (United States), Journal Name: Sci. Am.; (United States) Vol. 248:4; ISSN SCAMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
AGREEMENTS
EUROPE
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
NON-PROLIFERATION POLICY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
WARFARE
WEAPONS