IEER
SDA V6N4, V7N1 / E&S #6

Achieving Enduring Nuclear Disarmament

About This Issue

This special double issue of Science for Democratic Action and Energy & Security addresses various aspects of nuclear disarmament. This long-desired goal has many facets, ranging from short-term measures to de-activate nuclear weapons, to an enforceable, equitable treaty that will result in the dismantlement of all nuclear weapons and the infrastructure, materials, and facilities associated with them. Further, for a state of disarmament to endure, global security structures must be much more democratic, and there must be at least a modicum of social and economic justice in the world. Equity considerations must include addressing the public health and environmental contamination problems that have resulted from nuclear weapons production and testing.

In this newsletter, we explore these issues in varying degrees of detail, both conceptually and topically, including:

  • post-Cold War conditions that have increased security risks and the threat of accidental nuclear war;

  • ongoing threats to disarmament, such as new facilities and research into pure fusion explosions which could lead to the development of qualitatively new nuclear weapons;

  • the technical requirements and some economic reforms that must accompany treaties in order for them to be effective or have lasting impact, and initial steps such as de-alerting which can help reduce nuclear threats in the short-term while disarmament efforts continue;

  • some issues related to the series of underground tests conducted by both India and Pakistan in May, 1998.

We have also tried to set forth a nuclear disarmament program that addresses how the worst nuclear dangers can be realistically reduced in the short term, and how these steps can be linked to more thorough interim measures and to the eventual complete and permanent elimination of nuclear weapons. We welcome your comments.

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Institute for Energy and Environmental Research

Comments to :Outreach Coordinator: ieer@ieer.org
Takoma Park, Maryland, USA

October, 1998