Thinking About Nuclear Weapons

By Michael Quinlan
16 Mar 2005

Chapter 1 sets out the basic transformation which nuclear weapons have imposed upon warfare between major developed states
Chapter 2 outlines the concept of deterrence for preventing the initiation of such warfare, and the doctrines for nuclear weapons which NATO progressively developed to help make deterrence work
Chapter 3 reviews the risks and costs of security policies involving nuclear weapons, and surveys some of the ideas—good and bad—put forward for managing those risks and costs
Chapter 4 suggests how we should approach nuclear-weapon issues in the
altered world following the Cold War.

'One of the foremost authorities on nuclear deterrence in the Western world, combining in unique degree direct experience of practical policy with perceptive understanding of academic work. His deep and lucid analysis will be required for anyone intereted in strategic studies.'

Lord Gilmour of Thamesfield
Former Head of UK Diplomatic Service

'A penetrating review by a brilliant "insider" in both national and NATO settings--thorough analysis reaching to the root of the issues (including ethical ones) with clear and forceful conclusions. In all, an excellent and necessary study of lasting relevance.'

General Wolfgang Altenburg
Former Inspector-General of the Bundeswehr and Chairman, NATO Military Committee

'Michael Quinlan's knowledge and grasp of the nuclear element of war-prevention was immense--perhaps unmatched in Britain--and moreover never forgot the ethical dimension. I am glad that he has written this study reflecting his exceptional understanding.'

Field Marshal Lord Vincent
Former UK Chief of the Defence Staff anfd Chairman, NATO Military Committee

Sir Michael Quinlan was a United Kingdom civil servant from 1954 to 1992, mostly in the defence field. He was Private Secretary to the Chief of Air Staff 1962-65; Director of Defence Policy dealing with arms control issues 1968-70; Defence Counsellor in the UK Delegation to NATO 1970-73; Deputy Under-Secretary (Policy and Programmes) 1977-81, during the time of NATO's decision to modernise its intermediate-range nuclear forces and the UK's decision to acquire the Trident SLBM system; and Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence 1988-92. Since 1992 he has been Director of the Ditchley Foundation.

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