Synopses & Reviews
This book focuses on an even more urgent and “inconvenient truth” than global warming. At the nuclear precipice, humanitys choices are catastrophe or transformation. This book explores the present nuclear predicament, and how to step away from the precipice and assure humanitys future. It examines the intersections between international law and national policies; and between nuclear proliferation, nuclear terrorism and nuclear disarmament. The book offers a way out if policy makers of leading countries can summon the vision and political will to move in a new direction.
Review
“Nuclear weapons are immoral. They are a crime against humanity. The political reality that nuclear war still remains an option for the United States and eight other countries is the paramount moral issue of our time. At the Nuclear Precipice: Catastrophe or Transformation? is a book of huge proportions on the worlds most pressing issue. Richard Falk and David Krieger, as editors, have assembled in this volume the critical information needed to combat public complacency. A world free of nuclear weapons is possible - but only with educated, active, committed citizens with grassroots mobilization campaigns around the globe. At the Nuclear Precipice prepares us for this awesome task.”--Rev. Dr. George F. Regas, Rector Emeritus, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA
“To some, global nuclear disarmament it is dream. To others, it is a nightmare. This thoughtful and provocative book offers an alternative view. It describes persisting nuclear threats--from existing weapons or from their proliferation to additional states or terrorists--and offers specific practical ways to achieve a safer world that is free of such weapons. The book is an important contribution to one of the most important subjects of our times and will interest both experts and novices alike. The authors deserve to be heard.”--Randy Rydell, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
Synopsis
This book examines the intersections between international law and national policies, and nuclear proliferation and disarmament, offering a way out if policy makers of leading countries can summon the vision and political will to move away from the nuclear precipice and ensure humanity's future.
About the Author
Richard Falk is Milbank Professor of International Law Emeritus at Princeton University and for the last six years has been a visiting professor at the Santa Barbara campus of the University of California. He is Chair of the Board of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and author of several books.
David Krieger is a founder of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and has served as President of the Foundation since 1982. He has lectured throughout the United States, Europe and Asia on issues of peace, security, international law, and the abolition of nuclear weapons. He is a councilor of the World Future Council and chair of the International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility.
Table of Contents
CONTENTS
Foreword: Illegal in Any Circumstances Whatsoever, Douglas Roche * Preface: The Human Right to a Nuclear Weapon-Free World, Mairead Corrigan Maguire * Introduction, Richard Falk and David Krieger * Part I At the Nuclear Precipice * Sleepwalking Into Our Century of Last Opportunity, Christopher G. Weeramantry * Still Standing at the Nuclear Precipice after All These Years: Why? Jacqueline Cabasso * Part II Nuclear Weapons and International Law * Non-Proliferation Treaty Illusions and International Lawlessness, Richard Falk * U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy and International Law, Thomas Graham, Jr. * The “Inalienable Right” to Peaceful Nuclear Power: A Recipe for Chaos, Alice Slater, Part III Nuclear Weapons Policy, Rethinking U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy, Michael D. Intriligator * NATO Nuclear Weapons: The International Face of U.S. Nuclear Policy, Matthew Martin * Ending Nuclear Terrorism: By America and Others, Daniel Ellsberg * At the Nuclear Precipice: Iran, Asli Ü. Bâli * Nuclear Dangers and Challenges to a New Nuclear Policy, David Krieger * Part IV A New Direction * Roadmaps to Disarmament: A Strategy for the Second Nuclear Era, Wade L. Huntley * Strengthening International Security through International Law, Jürgen Scheffran * Preventing Nuclear Catastrophe: Where Do We Go from Here? Mohamed ElBaradei * Part V Stepping Back from the Precipice * Turning Away from the Nuclear Precipice, David Krieger * Nuclear Weapons, War, and the Discipline of International Law, Richard Falk * Where We Stand: A Dialogue, David Krieger and Richard Falk *Appendix A: The Russell-Einstein Manifesto Issued in London, 9 July 1955 * Appendix B: Abolition 2000 Statement * Appendix C: The Rome Declaration of Nobel Peace Laureates—The 7th World Summit of Nobel Laureates, November 19, 2006 * Appendix D: Nagasaki Appeal 2006, October 23, 2006 * Appendix E: Lecture at Princeton University, November 28, 2006, Kofi A. Annan * Appendix F: The Power of Place—Citizens and Elected Officials Uniting to Create a Nuclear Weapon-Free World, Pamela S. Meidell