Arms in the '80s: New Developments in the Global Arms Race

by John Turner, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Overview

In the 1980s the world'spent an enormous amount on preparations for war. Year by year, more and more resources went into the military sector. More and more complex weapon systems were devised. At the time, of all research scientists and engineers in the world, more than one in four was working for the military.

Throughout the 40 years since the end of World War II, the technological arms race continued. Then began moving faster. The United States lead the way, followed by the Soviet Union. Between them, they possessed some 50 000 nuclear warheads—more than enough to destroy the world. They planned to increase the number, to make the weapons more accurate, and to base them on new weapon platforms closer to the borders of the other side. Some people preferred not to think about these things. Many, however, were becoming increasingly concerned—wondering about the future for themselves and for their children. Originally published in 1985, this book was for those who wanted to know what was happening. What new missiles were being built? What was happening in outer space? What are the facts about chemical weapons? What progress was being made (if any) in Geneva, Vienna and Stockholm, where the powers were negotiating on these matters?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367533205
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/04/2022
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Nuclear Security
Pages:	130
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

John Turner

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. Based in Stockholm, SIPRI is regularly ranked among the most respected think tanks worldwide.

Table of Contents

Preface. Introduction. Section I Issues and Trends in the Arms Race. What Hope for Disarmament? Section II Nuclear Weapons. Space Weapons. Chemical and Biological Warfare. World Military Expenditure and Arms Production. The Trade in Conventional Arms. Nuclear Arms Control: Hitting a Moving Target Section III Reference Material. Index.