Nuclear Weapons and Nonproliferation (Contemporary World ... (ISBN 1598840711)

2nd Edition -- Updated Description:
The information above describes the content of the first edition. Below is updated information for the second edition: The first edition of this informative resource provided a history of nuclear weapons and expert analysis of the current state of nuclear proliferation, containment, and disarmament efforts. Keeping pace with new developments, Nuclear Weapons and Nonproliferation: A Reference Handbook, Second Edition revisits the key issues related to nuclear weapons with fully updated coverage expanded to address a range of new threats and concerns, including nuclear terrorism, North Korea's nuclear test, and Iran's uranium enrichment program. Nuclear Weapons and Nonproliferation, Second Edition clarifies weapons-related policy debates from both U.S. and international perspectives, offering a detailed look at current technologies, arsenals, weapons tests, and nonproliferation efforts. Readers will find expert analysis of such crucial recent events as Libya's disarmament, the failed WMD search in Iraq, A.Q. Khan's nuclear technology black market, "dirty bombs," developments in North Korea and Iran, and the U.S. plan to aid India's nuclear program--plus coverage of recent progress (and challenges) concerning a range of treaties and initiatives. Highlights * Explains current U.S. policies on the deterrent and military roles of nuclear weapons and on the steps that U.S. and international organizations are taking to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and materials * Analyzes both U.S. and international perspectives on the important debates over nuclear proliferation, arms control, terrorism, health and environmental implications, and other issues related to nuclear weapons * Includes biographical sketches of 21 important individuals involved with nuclear weapons technologies, including international scientists, spies, antinuclear activists, policymakers and military officials