Behavior, Society, and Nuclear War: Volume I [Hardcover]

Philip E. Tetlock (Editor), Jo L. Husbands (Editor), Robert Jervis (Editor), Paul C. Stern (Editor), Charles Tilly (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 18, 1990

All people wish to avoid nuclear war, but this fact provides little guidance for policy. One reason is a lack of understanding of how a nuclear war might come about or how one could be prevented; much of what is offered as expert knowledge cannot be defended as more than educated opinion. Behavior, Society, and Nuclear War assesses current knowledge to create a basis for new intellectual approaches to the subject of international security that are conceptually rigorous, theoretically eclectic, and methodologically self-conscious. Leading scholars review specific behavioral and social phenomena and processes that may be critical in determining war and peace, including the behavior of decision makers during crises, the pressure of public opinion, the causes of war among great powers, and the processes of international security negotiation. This work was sponsored by the Committee on Contributions of Behavioral and Social Science to the Prevention of Nuclear War, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Examines both methodological and theoretical issues surrounding four themes: crisis decision-making, domestic political pressures to go to war, negotiations patterns and processes, and the role and effects of deterrence strategy."--Pacific Research

"[A] thorough study."--The Friday Review

"Will be adopted widely. Excellent themes. Impressive essays."--Michael Fry, University of Southern California

"Not only valuable for an upper-level undergraduate course on nuclear doctrine, but also for an introductory course on international politics which stresses theoretical approaches to the subject. The essays are all excellent summaries of their respective fields of inquiry."--David S. Sorenson, Denison University

"Long overdue....Topical, insightful, and thought provoking. It will bring a much-needed depth to the study of the impact of nuclear weapons on the conduct of international relations."--Clinton G. Hewan, Northern Kentucky University

"A useful addition to the list of texts available to teach a course on nuclear and security issues. I definitely plan to use the book and recommend it to others."--Nitish K Dutt, University of Northern Texas

"An excellent sociological account of contemporary nuclear issues."--Antony Sloan, Bowlins Green State University

"Truly looks unique."--Gary J. Buckley, Northern Arizona University

"Excellent articles at a professional level."--M. Roskin, Lycoming College

"Excellent essays."--John Vasquez, Rutgers University --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Philip E. Tetlock is at University of California, Berkeley. Jo L. Husbands is at National Research Council. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 18, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195057651
• ISBN-13: 978-0195057652
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,583,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)