British nuclear weapons: For and against

Abstract

This book presents a detailed examination of the arguments for and against Britain’s retention of nuclear weapons, considering both strategic and political factors. It critiques many common assumptions, such as the credibility of the British independent deterrent, the effectiveness of nuclear blackmail as a deterrent, and the influence of nuclear weapons on US decision-making. The book argues that reliance on nuclear weapons is dangerous and destabilizing, especially in light of the increasing possibility of a superpower conflict. It proposes a non-nuclear defense policy based on strengthening conventional forces, civil defense, and territorial defense, arguing that such a strategy would be more effective in deterring conventional aggression while significantly reducing the risk of nuclear war. The author ultimately argues that Britain should unilaterally disarm, but should rely on the US for the deterrence of nuclear blackmail. – AI-generated abstract