Nuclear Deterrence in a Multipolar World

Stephen J. Cimbala is Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Penn State Brandywine. Dr Cimbala is an award winning Penn State teacher and the author of numerous works in the fields of national security studies, nuclear arms control and other topics.

• Contents: Introduction; Cyber deterrence and nuclear arms control; Jumping the gun: prompt attacks and nuclear weapons; Triads and tribulations: strategic nuclear arms reductions after new START; Avoiding digital disaster: managing nuclear crises in the information age; Controlling and ending a nuclear war; Minimum deterrence: interim solution or strategic distraction?; Missile defense and U.S.-Russian nuclear arms control: obstacles, options and opportunities; Nonproliferation and nuclear arms control: optimistic prognosis or pessimistic premonition?; Nuclear abolition: a bridge too far?; Sub-strategic nuclear weapons, first use and deterrence: a NATO-Russian entanglement; Armed persuasion and Vladimir Putin in Ukraine: a nuclear subtext?; Conclusion; Index.

’Before the US and Russia embark on trillion dollar modernization programs for their nuclear arsenals, they should pay attention to the points made in Steve Cimbala’s latest book. Cimbala demonstrates clearly that, despite their differences on issues such as Syria and Ukraine, America and Russia do have realistic options for nuclear arms reductions. These reductions will not only save the two nations billions of dollars, but will help limit the spread of nuclear weapons. This book should be required reading for civilian and military graduate schools that focus on national security.’ Lawrence Korb, Center for American Progress, USA ’Cimbala's latest work provides an up-to-date look at the state of nuclear deterrence in a global context. In couching his discussion within the Russo-American competition, Cimbala also covers the nuclear competition between the United States and its other nuclear competitors. Readable and concise, this work is well worth the time.’ Adam Lowther, Air University, USA