ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a proposed path to overcome the present deadlock in disarmament negotiations through initiatives that each side can take on its own without risk, without having to wait for reciprocal steps from the other side. A way out of the dilemma must be found elsewhere. The key to an effective peace policy is not only to make war more disastrous for a potential aggressor, but also to make peace more attractive. Perhaps the main obstacle to disarmament is that it has to be mutual to bring greater security. Unilateral disarmament, beyond a certain point, may increase the danger of war, instead of reducing it, by making a country defenceless and thus an easy and tempting target for aggression. Even more dangerous than a strategy of deterrence is the doctrine of "fighting and winning" a nuclear war, which some have advocated.