Ethical dilemmas of nuclear deterrence

Journal Article · · Int. Secur.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6903412

Russett, B M

An analysis of the May 1983 Pastoral Letter on War and Peace of the US Catholic Bishops examines their ethical arguments, which were critical of accepted policy while failing to change the underlying principles of acceptable deterrence and a just war. The author concludes that there is no easy solution to the problem of nuclear deterrence because there is no way to bridge the extremes of war-winning counterforce and possession without use. The Bishops' central problem was deterrence of attack on US allies or neutrals, but he finds merit in their positions that deterrence need not rely on nuclear threats and that new ways of thinking are needed for the long run. 20 references. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Yale Univ., New Haven, CT
• OSTI ID: 6903412
• Journal Information: Int. Secur.; (United States), Vol. 8:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
NATIONAL SECURITY
PUBLIC POLICY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
ETHICS
SECURITY
WEAPONS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy