Book Review: Arms for Uncertainty Nuclear Weapons in U.S. and Russian Security Policy

Arms for Uncertainty Nuclear Weapons in U.S. and Russian Security Policy Stephen J. Cimbala Hardcover, 230 pages ISBN 978-1-472-409850 Ashgate Publishing Company Burlington, VT, 2013 The somewhat baffling title supported as it is by a lengthy subtitle does little to inform the reader of the fascinating subject matter of this book. Herein resides a look backward and forward into the policy, strategy, and arms control of nuclear weapons. Authored by the formidable talent of Penn State Universitys distinguished professor of political science, the book is a serious analysis of Cimbalas three nuclear ages. The first ended with the demise of the Soviet Union. The second age is the one the world finds itself currently in. The third is estimated to arrive in 2020 if nuclear arms spread to state and perhaps nonstate actors. A firm belief in the permanence of nuclear weapons underscores the discussion. Nuclear abolition is however, given its due.