The global threat of nuclear weapons is one of today’s key policy issues. Using a wide variety of sources, including recently declassified information, Nathan E. Busch offers detailed examinations of the nuclear programs in the United States, Russia, China, Iraq, India, and Pakistan, as well as the emerging programs in Iran and North Korea. He also assesses the current debates in international relations over the risks associated with the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post–Cold War world.

Busch explores how our understanding of nuclear proliferation centers on theoretical disagreements about how best to explain and predict the behavior of states. His study bridges the gap between theory and empirical evidence by determining whether countries with nuclear weapons have adequate controls over their nuclear arsenals and fissile material stockpiles (such as highly enriched uranium and plutonium). Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of various systems of nuclear weapons regulation, Busch projects what types of controls proliferating states are likely to employ and assesses the threat posed by the possible theft of fissile materials by aspiring nuclear states or by terrorists. No End in Sight provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of issues at the forefront of contemporary international affairs. With the resurgence of the threat of nuclear terrorism, Busch’s insights and conclusions will prove critical to understanding the implications of nuclear proliferation.

Nathan E. Busch is assistant professor in the Department of Government and Public Affairs at Christopher Newport University.

Reviews:

"On the whole, this work has a great deal of utility. While there are many works available on nuclear proliferation, Busch's work is timely with ongoing international events." --Air Power History, David J. Schepp

"He provides thorough . . . accounts of the ongoing nuclear weapons programs of a number of states, includingChina, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Iran"--International History Review

"A rich and interesting review of the nuclear spread menace as it is now currently unfolding."--Perspectives on Politics

"A valuable addition to the proliferation debate."--Military Review

"Must-reading for anyone working on nuclear proliferation issues in the future. . . . Extremely valuable for the data and facts it pulls together, doing so in a very engaging form."--Parameters

"Busch develops his point through an extremely systematic analysis, based on a thorough review of material in the public domain, of the safety threats stemming from extant and potential nuclear arsenals."--Foreign Affairs

"Nathan Busch tackles a question of critical importance to policy makers and scholars: what is the impact of nuclear proliferation on international stability? He provides an illuminating analysis of the debate between proliferation optimists and proliferation pessimists, describing each side thoroughly and fairly, and makes his own valuable contribution to this debate. This is the most comprehensive study of global nuclear safety and security currently available."--Peter Lavoy, director of the Center for Contemporary Conflict at the Naval Postgraduate School

"While the capabilities of newly emerging nuclear states are more or less known, Busch's work puts these in a wider perspective, hitherto ignored; he highlights the issue with reference to safety concerns and mechanisms. While it offers insights to policymakers, it has a lot to interest academics and activists interested in the issue of proliferation."--Review of Politics