Bahgat, Gawdat.  Proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.  University Press of Florida, 2007.  212p bibl index; ISBN 9780813031668, $39.95. Reviewed in 2008sep CHOICE.
46-0545   JZ5675   2007-27191 CIP
 
Bahgat (Univ. of Pennsylvania) focuses on what is probably the most troubling topic facing US foreign policy makers, the development of weapons of mass destruction. Ostensibly, the fear is the expansion of the nuclear weapons club to the Middle East, but under closer scrutiny, it is the transfer of this capability to extreme Islamic groups. Six case studies are offered here, logically beginning with Iran, followed by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and Libya. The analysis is placed within a theoretical framework, attempting to answer two questions: Why do states want to acquire a nuclear weapons capability and under what conditions do states forgo that policy option? He notes that states, generally, assess the risks they face, the opportunities they have to acquire nuclear weapons, and the costs of weapons programs. The role of a nation’s sense of insecurity is factored in as well. In each of the cases presented, the author reviews the history of nuclear weapons development, and places the decisions made regarding this topic within the context of the political culture of different states. There is also a discussion of those states’ acceptance of the 1995 Nonproliferation Treaty. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. — S. R. Silverburg, Catawba College 
 
Bernstein, Jeremy.  Nuclear weapons: what you need to know.  Cambridge, 2008.  299p bibl index; ISBN 9780521884082, $27.00. Reviewed in 2008apr CHOICE.
45-4402   U264   2007-16625 CIP
 
Bernstein (emer., physics, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey) offers a good introduction to nuclear weaponry for those who have not been thinking about the subject and a useful, quick review for those familiar with the topic. The historical survey spans the discovery of the electron at the end of the 19th century to concerns about Iranian nuclear weapons at the beginning of the 21st century. In addition to the very brief but adequate sketches of physics concepts, the author includes many personal details about the people involved, including his own experiences of viewing two aboveground nuclear detonations in New Mexico. Bernstein is both physicist and staff writer for the The New Yorker, so the details are mostly correct and the writing is clear and interesting. This reviewer picked up this book just intending to skim through it, and ended up reading it from cover to cover in one evening. For all present and potential citizens (especially young people) concerned about our world. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. — A. M. Saperstein, Wayne State University 
 
Caravelli, Jack.  Nuclear insecurity: understanding the threat from rogue nations and terrorists.  Praeger Security International, 2008.  178p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780275997465, $49.95. Reviewed in 2008aug CHOICE.
45-7035   HV6433   2007-29127 CIP
 
Caravelli (Cranfield Univ.) addresses the US’s nuclear nonproliferation efforts from a government insider’s point of view, highlighting bureaucratic obstacles and programmatic difficulties encountered despite bipartisan support for policy objectives. Although complimentary of the work of the Department of Defense to safeguard nuclear weapons materials in the former Soviet Union, Caravelli is highly critical of the Department of Energy’s corresponding efforts to enhance security for fissile material and radiological sources, describing interagency rivalries, budgetary battles, and simple managerial incompetence. Caravelli avoids ideological overtones, repeatedly stressing the importance of multilateralism in his policy recommendations while recognizing the utility of force as a tool of last resort and emphasizing the threat from Iran throughout. The coverage of practical impediments to implementing a coherent nonproliferation policy makes this an excellent complement to the scholastic analysis contained in Nathan Busch’s No End in Sight (2004). However, the book may also stand alone as a case study supporting the general bureaucratic politics model of government. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. –
C. W. Sherrill, Mississippi College 
 
Chubin, Shahram.  Iran’s nuclear ambitions.  Carnegie Endowment, 2006.  223p bibl index ISBN 0-87003-231-3, $32.95; ISBN 0870032305 pbk, $12.95; ISBN 9780870032318, $32.95; ISBN 9780870032301 pbk, $12.95. Reviewed in 2007aug CHOICE.
44-7087   UA853   2006-18183 CIP
 
This engaging book sheds light on the obstacles faced by the US and the European Union (EU) to negotiate a comprehensive agreement with Tehran that would effectively prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear weapon state. Chubin (Geneva Centre for Security Policy) does an excellent job discussing the intricate negotiations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency and EU after the surprise revelation of Iran’s undeclared nuclear activities in 2002. He meticulously analyzes Iran’s negotiating strategy and its failure to convince the international community that it does not seek full control of the nuclear fuel cycle as a cover for a secret nuclear weapons program. After examining Iran’s challenging strategic environment (literally “encircled” by the US), the book discusses the rationale for Iran’s nuclear weapons option policy and the contradictory impact of domestic politics on Iranian nuclear decision making. The book clearly explains why the US has so far failed to force Iran to make far-reaching concessions, and makes a good case for a “diplomacy of persuasion” that could lead to a “grand bargain” between both countries. The chronology, glossary, figures, and comprehensive index enhance the value of this excellent book. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. — M. E. Carranza, Texas A&M University—Kingsville

Combating weapons of mass destruction: the future of international nonproliferation policy, ed. by Nathan E. Busch and Daniel H. Joyner.  Georgia, 2009.  394p bibl index; ISBN 9780820330105, $69.95; ISBN 9780820332215 pbk, $24.95. Reviewed in 2009sep CHOICE.
47-0521   JZ5675   2008-35443 CIP
 
This is an important edited book on international nonproliferation policy of weapons of mass destruction. The book is well organized and well written–multiple topics from diverse perspectives are included–and the authors are experienced experts in the field. Part 1 sets forth the main issues of proliferation and terrorism relating to weapons of mass destruction in two chapters. Part 2 stands out for thoroughly surveying informal as well as formal approaches to the control of weapons of mass destruction. Part 3 usefully adds a survey of more forceful, proactive, and unilateral policies to counter proliferation. Part 4 makes a significant contribution in giving an up-to-date profile of particularly worrisome or prominent country examples of proliferation and nonproliferation. Cases include the EU, South Asia, China, North Korea, Iran, US-Russian cooperative nonproliferation, and Russia’s nuclear security culture. There is a sizable bibliography and index at the end of the book, although there is no concluding chapter. The book is accessible and important for a general readership as well as academicians and practitioners. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, upper-division undergraduate students and above. — M. A. Morris, Clemson University 
 
Cordesman, Anthony H.  Iran’s weapons of mass destruction: the real and potential threat, by Anthony H. Cordesman and Khalid R. Al-Rodhan.  Center for Strategic & International Studies, 2006.  366p afp ISBN 0-89206-485-4, $26.95; ISBN 9780892064854, $26.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2006dec CHOICE.
44-2362   U793   2006-13513 CIP
 
Whether or not Iran is pursuing nuclear energy or nuclear weapons is an important question. Despite its provocative title and impressive compilation of detailed information, this book’s content is generally a levelheaded presentation sprinkled with sobering warnings. Readers are informed that “under the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty (NPT), Iran does have the right to acquire a full nuclear fuel cycle for peaceful purposes, and the Iranian government has found ways to justify all of its activities to date,” “inspections have not detected any evidence of nuclear-military programs in Iran,” and “satellite photos that seem to support the possibility of weapons-related high explosive test” are not conclusive. Much still seems to be unknown: “These claims, counterclaims, and different estimates highlight the uncertainty surrounding the true nature of some of the most important suspected nuclear facilities in Iran.” The history of Iran’s nuclear policy, reflecting the ironic encouragement of US experts that Iran acquire “several nuclear reactors” to “diversify its energy resources” hollows the assertion that Iran, located on a sea of oil and gas, would not need nuclear energy. The book is well written and detailed, with adequate notes. Recommended to anyone interested in or having an opinion on Iran’s nuclear policy. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through practitioners. — F. L. Mokhtari, National Defense University 
 
Davis, Mary Byrd.  Weapons of mass destruction, by Mary Byrd Davis and Arthur H. Purcell.  Facts on File, 2006.  300p index afp ISBN 0-8160-6082-7, $45.00. Reviewed in 2006nov CHOICE.
44-1292   U973   2005-18168 CIP
 
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD, defined as nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons) have been in the public consciousness since the bombing of Hiroshima. Since the 9/11 attacks, public awareness of the potential dangers of these weapons in terrorists’ hands has intensified, as has interest from public policy analysts, scientists, journalists, emergency management officials, and law enforcement. More research on WMD and new approaches to controlling them and keeping them out of the wrong hands–and coping with the consequences if they are used–is important. With this comprehensive sourcebook, Byrd and Purcell (both independent scholars) offer a starting point for researchers at all educational levels. Part 1 is an overview, part 2 a guide to further research, and part 3 a listing of laws, international agreements, and key reports on the current controls for WMD and their effectiveness. Particularly useful are the introduction, which presents a history of policy; the chapters in part 2 on how to research WMD, along with the annotated bibliography of work already done; and appendix H in part 3, on the state of proliferation of WMD as of 2005. Given the public interest in this topic and the need to disseminate information on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons to all levels of government, both public and academic libraries should have this source. Summing Up: Recommended. All libraries; all levels. — W. F. Bell, formerly, Lamar University 
 
Delpech, Th^D’erèse.  Iran and the bomb: the abdication of international responsibility, tr. by Ros Schwartz.  Columbia/Centre d’Études et de Recherches Internationales, Paris, 2007.  148p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780231700061, $26.95. Reviewed in 2008jun CHOICE.
45-5823   JZ5665   2007-20770 CIP
 
This outstanding book provides a trenchant critique of American and European nonproliferation policy toward Iran, arguing that the Western powers should impose meaningful, staggered, and sustained economic sanctions on Iran and that delays in doing so are in Iran’s favor, because there is indisputable evidence that “Iran simply wants the bomb.” Delpech (director of strategic studies at the French Atomic Energy Commission) does a superb job of presenting the complex technical aspects of Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions in a readable and engaging way. Drawing on her experience as a French government official dealing with the Iranian challenge, Delpech meticulously examines the rationale for Iran’s decision to develop its own nuclear fuel cycle and concludes that the search for nuclear weapons is the only credible explanation for the secrecy that has surrounded the nuclear program. The introduction presents strong empirical evidence that Iran has military nuclear ambitions. Ten short chapters discuss alternative strategies in the Iranian nuclear crisis. Two chapters consider the controversial strategies followed by the EU and the International Atomic Energy Agency that have so far failed to stop Iran in its race to acquire a nuclear weapon capability. A useful addition to Shahram Chubin’s, Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions (CH, Aug’07, 44-7087). Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. — M. E. Carranza, Texas A&M University—Kingsville 
 
Dokos, Thanos P.  Countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: NATO and EU options in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.  Routledge, 2008.  230p bibl index; ISBN 9780714656069, $140.00. Reviewed in 2008aug CHOICE.
45-7036   U793   2007-17239 CIP
 
Dokos (Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy, Greece) discusses the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and how NATO, the US, and the EU have chosen to deal with this security challenge. The book deals with a range of issues associated with weapons of mass destruction, including arms control efforts, terrorists’ access to such weapons, and the potential security threats these weapons produce. Dokos aspires to provide a Mediterranean perspective on these issues and in doing so offers useful discussions of the impact of NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue and the EU’s challenge to find more meaningful multilateral efforts to address proliferation. Much of this study is Dokos’s personal reflection on the previous scholarship on nuclear proliferation. The book does not examine the impact of North Korea’s 2006 nuclear test on NATO and the EU, or the acrimonious debate in 2003 in NATO over the deployment of Patriot missiles to Turkey. Analysts interested in the literature on nuclear proliferation will be attracted most to this book. Summing Up: Recommended. Professional and practitioner collections. — R. C. Hendrickson, Eastern Illinois University

Double trouble: Iran and North Korea as challenges to international security, ed. by Patrick M. Cronin.  Praeger Security International, 2008.  255p index afp; ISBN 9780275999605, $49.95. Reviewed in 2008jul CHOICE.
45-6415   JZ5675   2007-35888 CIP
 
Iran and North Korea have been linked together in the mind-set of the US and some European countries as the two most challenging obstacles to international security. This perception was further strengthened when President George W. Bush referred to these two vastly different countries as members of the “axis of evil.” In this informative volume, several policy analysts examine various aspects of these two countries’ nuclear programs. Cronin, director of studies at London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies, introduces the sections on Iran and North Korea with a comparative overview chapter. The book’s contributors analyze presumed motivations behind the nuclear course taken by the leadership of Iran and North Korea and offer policy alternatives for engaging both of these countries. There are, of course, major differences between Iran and North Korea. Most importantly, Iran has been a charter member of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and has consistently denied that it intends to become a nuclear weapons state. North Korea, on the other hand, joined the NPT reluctantly and only after Soviet pressure, and it withdrew from the treaty in 2003. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and research collections. — N. Entessar, University of South Alabama 

Ethics and weapons of mass destruction: religious and secular perspectives, ed. by Sohail H. Hashmi and Steven P. Lee.  Cambridge, 2004.  533p index ISBN 0-521-83671-9, $85.00; ISBN 0521545269 pbk, $37.99. Reviewed in 2005feb CHOICE.
42-3355   BL65   2003-64631 CIP 

Can one justifiably kill a million children? This question is addressed by a comprehensive anthology that accomplishes the unusual task of combining articles from political realists, philosophers, and religious experts to examine the ethics of weapons of mass destruction. The political realist pieces both introduce the reader to realism and explain how realists evaluate these weapons. The religious pieces are overwhelming in their scope; contributors explain the Christian (both Catholic/Natural Law and Protestant), Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, and Jewish points of view, often through the just-war theory of the faith. Philosophically, readers will garner perspectives ranging among the liberal, feminist, pragmatic, and pacifist. The list of contributors is impressive and the articles do not disappoint. Yet one wonders whether the overall effect is to sanction the status quo rather than reveal its defects. Given that the status quo is rapidly approaching a proliferation of such proportion that the moral issues of deterrence and use will quickly become otiose, a critique might have proved more timely and useful. Finally, does one need so big a book to answer so simple a question? Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above. — R. Werner, Hamilton College 

Goldstein, Lyle J.  Preventive attack and weapons of mass destruction: a comparative historical analysis.  Stanford, 2006.  268p bibl index afp ISBN 0-8047-5026-2, $50.00. Reviewed in 2006sep CHOICE.
44-0597   U793   2005-13561 CIP
 
This volume explores two important questions: under what circumstances does nuclear proliferation enhance international stability, and when does the development of weapons of mass destruction lead to preemptive or preventive wars? Goldstein (US Naval War College) carefully considers arguments by scholars holding differing perspectives. His own research is thorough, in terms of both documentary records and overseas interviews in China, Israel, and Russia. He did miss one important document, a 1956 National Security Council finding that the US had achieved a first-strike capability against the USSR. The US believed itself able to destroy Soviet nuclear forces so quickly and thoroughly that they would not be able to retaliate. There is some evidence that Nikita Khrushchev shared that belief. Goldstein’s historical case studies provide excellent analytical tools for understanding the current nuclear crises with North Korea and Iran, both of which are analyzed. The worst flaw in this otherwise admirable book is the absence of an abbreviations/acronyms list. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students, faculty, and researchers; for both history and political science collections.
— H. Nelsen, emeritus, University of South Florida 

Khan, Saira.  Nuclear weapons and conflict transformation: the case of India-Pakistan.  Routledge, 2009.  202p bibl index; ISBN 9780415375078, $140.00. Reviewed in 2009sep CHOICE.
47-0522   JZ5665   2008-9167 CIP
 
This book is an excellent analysis of how nuclear weapons acquisition can transform a conflict. It is a terse book and a bit theoretical for the general reader, but its conclusions will interest everyone: when both sides obtain nuclear weapons in a conflict, lower-level conflict increases. Khan (Univ. of British Columbia, Canada) develops her theory and then illustrates it with respect to the India/Pakistan conflict. Those who are familiar will gain much from this; those relatively uninformed will be scrambling to understand her detailed references to various periodic clashes between India and Pakistan in both the pre-nuclear and postnuclear periods. Khan then turns to the various peace initiatives that were undertaken at such times, and concludes that in the absence of meaningful moves toward peace, conflict remains protracted and becomes occasionally intense. The result is a state of indefinite protraction, where the parties learn to live together by holding dialogs under pressure. Unfortunately, there is very little on what it would take to cross the nuclear threshold, or how to prevent that. Given rising tensions in the area, Khan should immediately direct her attention to the likelihood and impact of the worst-case scenario. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, research, and professional collections. — J. D. Stempel, University of Kentucky 
 
Levi, Michael.  On nuclear terrorism.  Harvard/Council on Foreign Relations, 2007.  210p bibl index afp ISBN 0-674-02649-7, $24.95; ISBN 9780674026490, $24.95. Reviewed in 2008jul CHOICE.
45-6422   HV6433   2007-14485 CIP 

Conventional wisdom regarding nuclear terrorism holds that many groups, primarily radical jihadists, are actively seeking and will ultimately acquire WMD capability. In his highly systematic and scientific analysis, Levi (Council on Foreign Relations) eschews such motivation-based and worst-case assessments and instead recommends a comprehensive, qualitative systems analysis aimed at significantly reducing (though not eliminating) the nuclear threat by targeting the myriad points at which it manifests. This broader approach, Levi convincingly argues, reflects complexities in materials procurement, transportation, and weaponization–each of which offers a kind of multiplier effect in terms of enforcement opportunities. As terrorists attempt to thwart counterterrorism measures, as should be expected, chances for detection and prevention increase exponentially. Additionally, while it is not his central focus, Levi calls attention to post-attack emergency response and preparation, which by his calculation could make a tenfold difference (one way or the other) in the number of casualties should a nuclear attack occur. Combining this with his qualitative approach, one would be inclined to feel much more secure regarding the specter of nuclear terrorism, if only policy makers would heed Levi’s insightful advice and fully adopt this multilayered, integrated, wide-ranging approach. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. — M. O’Gara, George Washington University 

The long shadow: nuclear weapons and security in 21st century Asia, ed. by Muthiah Alagappa.  Stanford, 2008.  371p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780804760867, $75.00; ISBN 9780804760874 pbk, $29.95. Reviewed in 2009may CHOICE.
46-5295   UA830   2008-5320 CIP 
  
Alagappa (East-West Center) has edited a volume on nuclear weapons and security in Asia that is a seminal contribution to the study of comparative politics and international relations in the post-Cold War era. Asia is defined broadly; chapters focus on states from Israel and Iran to North Korea and Australia. Chapters on the major powers–the US, China, and Russia–are balanced by chapters on nuclear terrorism and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states’ decision to focus on conventional defense. A comparative case study methodology for each chapter includes political context of weapons’ decisions, national interests, and the evolution of nuclear doctrine and force posture. This case study methodology is set within a broader context that integrates each chapter into a coherent and comprehensive framework that offers region-wide conclusions about the role of nuclear weapons in Asia. Alagappa’s introductory and concluding chapters establish the framework and highlight conclusions. The contributors find that while nuclear weapons are a central feature of the security architecture of Asia, strategic stability has not been jeopardized by proliferation or potential proliferation. Deterrence remains the fundamental policy of all states, though asymmetries in capabilities make for a variety of deterrence strategies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels.
— W. W. Newmann, Virginia Commonwealth University 
 
Mattair, Thomas R.  Global security watch Iran: a reference handbook.  Praeger, 2009 (c2008).  208p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780275994839, $55.00. Reviewed in 2009jul CHOICE.
46-5971   DS274   2008-7312 CIP 
 
This volume in the “Global Security Watch” series makes an excellent attempt to explain the reasoning behind the foreign policy decisions of the Iranian leadership, and those of its neighbors and major world powers that have contributed to the current state of affairs. For most of the book, independent scholar Mattair, a well-published author in contemporary Middle East politics, focuses on the foreign relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1979. Covered are the Shah’s efforts to deter Soviet aggression and his alliances with the US, the history of the British Petroleum Company in Iranian politics, and more. Mattair offers an analysis of the debate about whether diplomacy, sanctions, or military action are appropriate responses to Iran’s nuclear initiatives; the country’s influence in the Iraq War and the Persian Gulf; and its resistance to Israel. He carefully examines early revolutionary activism, antagonism toward the US and Israel, and the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.   Mattair also looks at efforts by the international community (particularly the US) to contain Iran. He considers Iran’s pragmatic policies in detail, including its relationship with Russia and China, efforts to repair relations with other Persian Gulf States, and cooperation with the US to topple the Taliban in Afghanistan. This work is a must read for policy makers, Middle East scholars and students, and those wishing to have a better understanding of the US’s relationship with Iran. Comparable titles include R. W. Erlich’s The Iran Agenda (2007), A. Molavi’s The Soul of Iran (2005), and T. Parsi’s Treacherous Alliance (CH, Feb’08, 45-3441). Includes biographical profiles, a chronology, glossary, and pertinent documents. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above in history and political science. — L. J. Gonzalez, Hunter College Libraries

Rublee, Maria Rost.  Nonproliferation norms: why states choose nuclear restraint.  Georgia, 2009.  297p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780820330037, $64.95; ISBN 978082032352  pbk, $22.95. Reviewed in 2009oct CHOICE.
47-1106   JZ5675   2008-24197 CIP
 
Why do some states pursue nuclear proliferation while others do not? Using constructivist international relations (IR) theory, which relies heavily on social psychology, Rublee (Univ. of Auckland, Australia) argues that nonproliferation norms have played an important role in determining whether or not governments develop and acquire nuclear weapons. Although realist and liberal institutional IR theory can help explain nonproliferation, Rublee’s analysis stresses the role of the international social environment in fostering nuclear restraint. She uses five case studies (Japan, Egypt, Libya, Sweden, and Germany) to bolster her argument, claiming that as nonproliferation norms have become more widely accepted, they have resulted in incentives that foster nuclear forbearance. Since much of the literature on proliferation focuses on why states seek to acquire nuclear weapons, the author’s concern with nuclear restraint is a valuable contribution to the literature on arms control. Although the study does not fully explain “why states choose nuclear restraint,” the book nonetheless makes an important contribution to IR literature by providing a foundation for further analysis. Best for academic libraries with large international relations collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and research collections. — M. Amstutz, Wheaton College 

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