A major debate has emerged in recent years, which centres on the future role of nuclear weapons in world politics. Focusing attention to the role of nuclear weapons in the post-cold war world, the book argues that unlike the debates which emerged during the cold war period, the contemporary debate has taken place largely in private, with only limited involvement by the general public. What is also significant is the traditional 'left-wing' versus Establishment divide has also largely disappeared. Furthermore, a growing number of senior military and defence officials and governments allied with the United States, openly advocate the abolition of nuclear weapons. One of the features of the post-cold war debate is that statesman and scholars alike have begun to think the unthinkable–to consider the possibility of reducing the size of nuclear arsenals, and eventually for abolishing them completely.

Contributions from leading academics highlight the key themes that have emerged in this debate. The book aims to generate a wider debate about a subject which, despite the changes that have taken place over the last two decades, continues to be of supreme importance.