The Consequences of Nuclear Proliferation: Lessons from South Asia (BCSIA Studies in International Security) (Paperback)

by Devin T. Hagerty (Author) "Many prominent international relations scholars believe that nuclear weapons contributed to peace between the superpowers during the Cold War..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Delhi, South Asia, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A pathbreaking book. . . a brilliant synthesis of Western theory and South Asian practice that is full of important lessons for academics and practitioners alike."
—James G. Blight, Professor of International Relations, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University

Product Description
"A pathbreaking book. . . a brilliant synthesis of Western theory and South Asian practice that is full of important lessons for academics and practitioners alike." -- James G. Blight, Professor of International Relations, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University

Analysts of international politics have debated heatedly over the likely consequences of the spread of nuclear weapons. Most argue that nuclear proliferation will destabilize the world and increase the risk of nuclear war. Others counter that the threat of nuclear war is enough to convince new nuclear nations to adopt prudent security policies.

In this book, Devin Hagerty examines the relationship between two emerging nuclear powers--India and Pakistan--to assess how nuclear weapons have changed their foreign and military policies. Even before India and Pakistan tested nuclear weapons in 1998, both countries believed that the other was capable of assembling a bomb. In recent years, their respective governments had conducted diplomacy in the shadow of those nuclear suspicions. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since becoming independent in 1947 and their relations remain tense, especially over the disputed border region of Kashmir.

Hagerty presents detailed studies of the January 1987 Indo-Pakistani crisis, precipitated by India's "Brasstacks" military exercises, and the 1990 confrontation over Kashmir. He finds that the two countries nearly went to war in the "Brasstacks" crisis, at least partly because Pakistan's nuclear capability remained nascent. In the 1990 crisis, however, both countries were aware of the possibility of nuclear escalation and acted more cautiously. Hagerty finds little evidence of preparations for preemptive nuclear strikes in the 1990 crisis. Instead, India and Pakistan appear to have embraced the logic of nuclear deterrence. Hagerty concludes that relations between India and Pakistan in recent years support the argument that nuclear proliferation does not necessarily destabilize international relations and may even reduce the risk of war. This conclusion is grounds for optimism about peace in South Asia now that India and Pakistan are overt nuclear-weapons states.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press; illustrated edition edition (August 14, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262581612
• ISBN-13: 978-0262581615
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #684,801 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read, April 23, 2000

By	Anthony King (VA USA) - See all my reviews

The author succiently (204 pages) uses the ongoing Indo-Pakistani conflict as a study to compare and evaluate deterrence theory and non-proliferation theory. Hagerty also adepty explaines the major focal points for this crisis. Perfect for students examining South Asia or aspects of nuclear proliferation.