ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the problem of anticipatory 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. Russian experts in national security recognize as do Americans that a Cold War framework no longer suffices to define or explain their nuclear relationship. In addition, interest in nuclear weapons appears to be growing in the Middle East, South Asia and East Asia, along with the increased possibility of a nuclear crisis in those regions. Anticipatory attacks include both preemption and preventive war. Richard Betts notes that the difference between preemptive and preventive attack 'has often been confused, even by professional strategists. The world has never witnessed a two sided nuclear conflict. But the Cold War was marked by nuclear competition between the Americans and Soviets that taught hard lessons.
