The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Post WWII US/USSR Confrontations intensity Peak Levels.

摘要

This study examines the escalation rates and intensity levels of US/USSR post-WW II confrontations in relation to the number of strategic nuclear weapons available to these nations to determine if a relationship exists. That is, have strategic nuclear weapons effected the rate of escalation or peak level of intensity of the post-WW II US/USSR confrontations. The study concludes that, while the role of strategic nuclear weapons has been insignificant in effecting either the intensity level or escalation rate of US/USSR confrontations, strategic nuclear weapons are an important factor in the pursuit of confrontation avoidance politics by the US and USSR since 1962. However, once a US/USSR confrontation becomes unavoidable and is enjoined, strategic nuclear weapons become a tool of force employed within the conceptual framework of a confrontation strategy. This study provides the reader with a better understanding of the role of nuclear weapons. Hopefully, it will influence others to accelerate efforts to bring nuclear weapons under effective control.