International Relations

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Abstract

For some time now the theory of nuclear deterrence has stood on shaky foundations. Political philosophers, and strategic theorists, as well as U.S. and French clerics have recognized the paradoxical nature of the deterrent threat in the nuclear age: the seeming irrationality of response once deterrence fails, and the dilemma of disassociating the threat from the use of nuclear weapons. Given such contradictions, Frank Zagare observes, "If deterrence were a building, it would probably be condemned" (p. 1). His goal in this book, therefore, is to provide a sturdier framework on which to place the strategic doctrines of the superpowers. Unfortunately, the author erects only a flimsy frame of revealed preferences.