|
The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a major
issue in international security. No longer the defining feature of
the Cold War bipolarity, nuclear weapons have nonetheless lost none
of their significance in world affairs. Their unrivalled destructive
capacity is matched by a unique status as strategic instruments, and
their development, possession and strategies for use remain as
important and controversial as ever.
Whilst the total number of nuclear weapons in
existence has declined sharply since the end of the Cold War, the
number of states possessing them continues to grow. Measures to
prevent or retard nulcear proliferation remain high in the
international agenda, whilst for established nuclear weapon states
the changed strategic context requires them to re-think rationales
for their retention and to develop new deterrent strategies.
CDISS's programme aims to examine all facets of
nuclear weapons in what has been called the 'Second Nuclear Age'. It
has a particular focus on nuclear powers other than the United
States. The programme examines the issue from the standpoints of
existing nuclear weapon states, would-be nuclear powers, efforts to
prevent further proliferation, and strategies to deal with that
proliferation as it occurs.
Much of the existing literature on, and attitudes
towards, nuclear weapons derive from an earlier, very different era.
CDISS therefore seeks to draw on past experience where relevant, and
to engage in fresh analysis where required. It also tries to bridge
the gap which has often existed in the past between non- and
counter-proliferation, between policies to prevent proliferation and
policies to employ nuclear weapons to establish secure and stable
deterrence.
An initial focus of the programme is on the future
of the British nuclear force. This work is also used to inform wider
consideration of the deterrent strategies of other small nuclear
powers. | 
In addition to his position as Director of
Studies, CDISS, Dr Stocker is also an external Research Associate of
the Royal United Services Institute in London. He served in the
Royal Navy for 20 years, specialising in air defence and seeing
active service in the Persian Gulf. Jeremy writes for academic and
professional journals in Europe and North America. His particular
interests include missile defence, maritime issues and defence
policy.