Origins -- Overkill -- Stability -- The nuclear option in the 21st century -- The ability to make nuclear weapons -- Developing nation nuclear policies -- Controlling the spread of nuclear weapons -- North Korea and the bomb -- What North Korea might believe it could achieve with nuclear weapons -- Underground nuclear explosions and seismology -- Proof of principle and weaponization -- How much weapons-grade fissile material could North Korea have? -- How many bombs could North Korea have? -- Nuclear tests -- Rocket fundamentals -- Multistaged rockets -- The North Korean rocket program -- Nuclear proliferation and its consequences -- Middle East -- The China-India-Pakistan nuclear triangle -- India -- Pakistan -- What can be done? -- Iran -- Prevention, preemption, and defense -- Prevention -- Preemption -- Defence -- The future control of nuclear weapons -- North Korea negotiations 2018 -- A formal end to the Korean War -- A non-aggression treaty -- A comprehensive end to sanctions -- Minimal U.S. requirements -- Afterword.
Summary:
"This book addresses the incentives for nations to develop nuclear weapons and the technical expertise needed for the purpose. Ballistic missiles are required by any nation wanting to optimize the effectiveness of deterrence and the threat derived from possessing nuclear weapons. The basic science of ballistic missile programs is discussed using the North Korean program as an example, in addition to the nuclear weapons development, although to some extent the programs of other countries are also covered. Unlike most books on these topics, this one includes, besides the technical component, the policy aspects surrounding nuclear weapons. It also shows how nuclear weapons can--and have--stabilized conflicts, discussing why the concept of deterrence may not always be relied upon to prevent war. The origin of terrorism in the Middle East and the possibility of nuclear terrorism originating from that region are other topics of interest"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.