Author Description

The INF-Treaty, brought about largely by the "new way of thinking" of Mikhail Gorbachev, resulted in a welcome relaxation of tension between East and West, but has not eliminated the danger of a nuclear war. The Treaty has removed only a few per cent of the nuclear arsenals, and this is already being compensated by new improved weapons. The danger of an accidental nuclear war looms as large as ever. How to reduce this danger? How to deal the menace of chemical and conventional weapons? How to transfer the enormous resources spent on mililitary arms to the solution of other issues threatening civilization, notably the degradation of of the environment and the plight of poor nations? These questions are posed and solutions are suggested in this volume by 30 scholars and experts from 11 countries, brought together in a Pugwash Conference. The theme "Global Problems and Common Security" epitomizes the new approach to resolving the most important issues facing mankind at the present time.