This book addresses the incentives for nations to develop nuclear weapons and the technical expertise needed for that purpose. Ballistic missiles are required by any nation wanting to optimize the effectiveness of deterrence and the threat derived from possessing nuclear weapons. The basic science of ballistic missile programs is discussed using the North Korean program as an example, although to some extent the programs of other countries are also covered. In addition, there is an introduction to the basics of nuclear weapons technology.
Unlike most books on these topics, this one includes, besides the technical component, the policy aspects surrounding nuclear weapons. It also shows how nuclear weapons can — and have — stabilized conflicts, discussing why the concept of deterrence may not always be relied upon to prevent war. The origin of terrorism in the Middle East and the possibility of nuclear terrorism originating from that region are other topics of interest.
Author(s): Gerald E. Marsh
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co.
Year: 2019
Language: English
Pages: xii+240
Table of Contents
Dedication
Preface
Origins
Overkill
Stability
The Nuclear Option in the 21st Century
The Ability to make Nuclear Weapons
Developing Nation Nuclear Policies
Controlling the Spread of Nuclear Weapons
North Korea and the Bomb
What North Korea Might Believe it could Achieve with Nuclear Weapons
Underground Nuclear Explosions and Seismology
Proof of Principle and Weaponization
How Much Weapons‐Grade Fissile Material could North Korea Have?
How Many Bombs Could North Korea Have?
Nuclear Tests
Rocket Fundamentals
Multistaged Rockets
The North Korean Rocket Program
Nuclear Proliferation and its Consequences
Middle East
The China–India–Pakistan Nuclear Triangle
India
Pakistan
What Can be Done?
Iran
Prevention, Preemption, and Defense
Prevention
Preemption
Defense
The Future Control of Nuclear Weapons
North Korea Negotiations 2018
A Formal End to the Korean War
A Non‐Aggression Treaty
A Comprehensive End to Sanctions
Minimal U.S. Requirements
Afterword
Appendix A: North Korean Ballistic Missiles and US Missile Defense
The Rockets Powered by the Engines
Why Efficient Rocket Motors are Important
The Musudan Rocket
North Korea’s Heritage of Russian Liquid Rocket Motors
The Beginning of the North Korean Missile Development “Breakout” of 2017
The Game Changer – The Russian RD‐250 Rocket Motor
The End Result of the North Korean “Breakout” of 2017— A True ICBM
Analytical Findings
What Does All This Mean?
Atmospheric Reentry: The Challenge to Nuclear Weapon Design
A Ballistic Missile Defense That Could Counter North Korean ICBMs
Final Observations on the Missile Defense Question
Appendix B: Nuclear Terrorism
Carson Mark’s Article
Subnational Groups
Gun‐Type Devices and Reactor‐Grade Plutonium
The 1962 Test
Designs using Reactor‐Grade Plutonium with No Yield Reduction
Appendix C: A Short Background on China
Appendix D: A History of Islamic Terrorism
I. Introduction
II. The Arab Spring
III. Middle East Chaos
IV. Some History
The Assassins
Index
