ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the problem of anticipatory, or prompt, attack with respect to nuclear deterrence and crisis stability in a multipolar nuclear world, with special reference to policy options for the United States and Russia. Anticipatory attacks are essential defensive strategies carried out by offensive means. Anticipatory attacks include both preemption and preventive war. Nuclear weapons technology enforced some limited doctrinal convergence and behavioral similarity with respect to nuclear strategy, despite the very different ways in which Soviet and American leaders perceived the world. The spread of nuclear weapons in Asia presents a complicated mosaic of possibilities in this regard. The spread of ballistic missiles and other nuclear capable delivery systems in Asia, or in the Middle East with reach into Asia, is especially dangerous because plausible adversaries live close together and are already engaged in ongoing disputes about territory or other issues.
