The Nuclear Tipping Point: Why States Reconsider Their Nuclear Choices

by Kurt M. Campbell (Editor), Robert J. Einhorn (Editor), Mitchell B. Reiss (Editor)

The Nuclear Tipping Point provides a framework for understanding the myriad factors that shape nuclear policy. Case studies of eight long-term stalwarts of the nonproliferation regime-Egypt, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Koria, Syria, Taiwan, and Turkey-flesh out this framework and show how even these countries might be pushed over the edge of a nuclear tipping point.

Genres: Nonfiction, International Relations, Politics

366 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say, upon getting this book I was VERY excited to read it. One of my thesis ideas for graduate school was going to be a multivariate analysis of what caused states to pursue nuclear power. One of the prime areas I was going to look at was security and presence of nuclear armed rivals. So this book dove-tailed nicely. However, I was largely disappointed. It is still a fascinating read, I felt the title was misleading it would be more appropriately titled 'The Nuclear Tipping Point: When would States Reconsider Their Nuclear Choices'. A subtle difference, but important. Really, the individual chapters were very informative, and I felt the analysis on the subject was spot on. The only real flaw I can find with the book is that the chapters were written in a vacuum. For instance, the South Korea chapter made some bold claims about if South Korea obtained nukes, that it would jeopardize their relationship with Japan. I find that to be a bold claim. Especially since most of the factors cited as for South Korea rethinking their nuclear choices were the same as Japan. So it's impossible to cite South Korea as getting nukes without at least thinking Japan would be in the same boat. It's like the authors of the chapter didnt talk to one another. Which is alright, I just assumed that if you're participating in a project with another expert, you should really take that extra step. Overall, an easy, informative read that I'm gald is on my bookshelf for citation purposes.
*One side note. I really didnt write a thing in the margin of this book! I barely highlighted anything too! Strange for me.

[Ilya Mrz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Any war is not about weapons is about people.

So my opinion this book focus on the wrong side.