Author: Manpreet Sethi
Translator(s)/ Editors(s): Jasjit Singh
Publisher: Knowledge World
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 395
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788187966708
Description
May 1998 marked the culmination of the long debate on India's nuclear status. It also initiated the country's journey towards credible, nuclear deterrence. Over the last decade, India has taken many steps down this path, with varying degrees of speed, levels of transparency and measures of success.
Nuclear policy-making is traditionally shrouded in secrecy. But, for credible deterrence, the mystery must be balanced with some transparency. Surprise in military capability and tactics is a virtue of conventional warfare, but credible nuclear deterrence demands a demonstration of capability, the resolve to use it, and the communication of both capability and resolve.
This book provides pointers on how India's nuclear strategy, in the prevailing security environment, should put together the building blocks of credible deterrence in order to minimize, if not remove, the chance of nuclear use.
It assesses contemporary nuclear thinking, doctrines and capabilities of nuclear weapon states; examines the command and control structures of Pakistan, China and India to offer recommendations; discusses how to make India's arsenal survivable; debates the relevance of ballistic missile defence; highlights the overlap between India's nuclear energy and strategic programmes; studies the complex challenge of conventional war in the presence of nuclear weapons; and explains why and how India should pursue universal nuclear disarmament.
For the range, scope and depth of issues covered, the book is essential reading for all those interested in ensuring that India remains secure from a nuclear strike.
Contents
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. More of the Same : Nuclear Strategies of major Powers and Implications for India
2. Shoot and Scoot : Pakistan's Nuclear Doctrine and Strategy
3. Fire in the Dragon : China's Nuclear Doctrine and Strategy
4. Trumpet of the Elephant : India's Nuclear Doctrine and Strategy
5. Hand on the Button : Nuclear Command and Control
6. Tricks of the Trade : Survivability of the Arsenal
7. Lure of the Shield : BMD in India's Nuclear Strategy
8. Material Matters : Credible Nuclear Deterrence and Fissile Material Concerns
9. Tale of the Twins : Overlapping Dimensions of India's Nuclear Energy and Strategic programmes
10. The Shadow Dance : Nuclear Deterrence and Conventional war
11. Finding the Way : From Deterrence to Disarmament