ABSTRACT
For forty years, we have walked through the valley of the shadow of nuclear deterrence. And we have threatened and been threatened by great evil. There has been order between the major power blocs, but also unprecedented danger. Many of us believe the risks of breakdown have grown in recent years, albeit slightly: certainly the fears of nearly all of us have grown regarding the nature of the catastrophe that would result. Even if the risks of a breakdown are not as great as many of us believe, what might be destroyed is so infinitely precious that even a slight increase in the possibility of nuclear war can never be other than of compelling importance.
