Nuclear policy and world order: why denuclearization

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Alternatives; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/030437547800300301· OSTI ID:7097479

Falk, R

Mr. Falk first takes note of the growing anxiety, particularly on the part of the superpowers, over the spread of nuclear technology and of the frantic campaign to halt proliferation. He does not see much chance of the campaign succeeding so long as it remains suspect because, among other reasons, of its being spearheaded by a power which is itself the greatest proliferator and one, too, which not only has an enormous stockpile of nuclear weapons, but is constantly engaged in evolving ever-more-sophisticated weapons. Nonproliferation, unless wedded to denuclearization, will continue to be viewed by nonnuclear states as unacceptably discriminatory and as a geopolitical confidence trick calculated to freeze the present hegemonistic global structure. Obviously, the first moves toward denuclearization have to be made by nuclear nations, but, above all, by the two superpowers. However, denuclearization will be illusory if a distinction is made between the military and the civilian uses of the atom. Mr. Falk feels that denuclearization must at some stage, the sooner the better, involve the total renunciation of nuclear power. However, the ruling elites all the world over, but principally in its industrialized part, have to accept a concept of world order securely anchored to the values of peace, economic well being of all, social and political justice (both within and between nations), and environmental quality. Recognizing that such a world order cannot be erected at one go, Mr. Falk suggests transition steps, none frighteningly radical in itself and each demonstrably feasible. 44 references.

• Research Organization: Princeton Univ., NJ
• OSTI ID: 7097479
• Journal Information: Alternatives; (United States), Journal Name: Alternatives; (United States) Vol. 3:3; ISSN ALTED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450200 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NUCLEAR POWER
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POWER
PROLIFERATION
STOCKPILES
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
WEAPONS