Description
Book SynopsisIn May 1998, India shocked the world - and many of its own citizens - by detonating five nuclear weapons in the Rajasthan desert. This title presents a comprehensive history of how the world's largest democracy, has grappled with the twin desires to have and to renounce the bomb.
Trade Review"One does not have to agree with all of Mr. Perkovich's arguments to recognize that much of what passes as conventional wisdom in international relations today is simply not true. Accordingly, his book is a useful antidote to many of the illusions of our age." - Mackubin Thomas Owens, Washington Times "Meticulously researched and well-written." - The Economist "Perkovich's epic book provides not only one of the most detailed and authoritative accounts of India's nuclear weapon programme but also one of the most cogent constructions of India's nuclear rationale." - W.P.S. Sidhu, Ethnic Conflict Research Digest "Perkovich has written the definitive account of nuclear decision-making in India. At the same time, he makes a major contribution to nonproliferation scholarship in general." - R.A. Strong, Choice "An extraordinary and perhaps definitive account of 50 years of Indian nuclear policymaking." - Foreign Affairs "Essential reading for those concerned with the issue of non-proliferation." - Robert W. Cahn, Nature "The most authoritative and exhaustive account so far of the development of India's nuclear programme since independence. This meticulously researched volume is an outstanding contribution to a subject mired in deliberate misunderstandings." - Gurharpal Singh, Times Higher Education Supplement "No book written in recent times - in fact, at any time since 1947 - on India's nuclear bomb can be compared to George Perkovich's book in its wide coverage, insightful research and sheer objectivity. In all these three departments this book excels beyond measure." - M. V. Kamath, The Daily Mail (India) "Rich, definitive...at all times fair. It is hard to see how it will be superseded." - Lawrence Freedman, Times Literary Supplement
Table of ContentsACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Introduction
ONE
Developing the Technological Base for the Nuclear Option
1948-1963
TWO
The First Compromise Shift toward a "Peaceful Nuclear Explosive"
1964
THREE
The Search for Help Abroad and the Emergence of Nonproliferation
DECEMBER 1964-AUGUST 1965
FOUR
War and Leadership Transitions at Home
AUGUST 1965-MAY 1966
FIVE
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Secretly Renewed Work on a Nuclear Explosive
1966-1968
SIX
Political Tumult and Inattention to the Nuclear Program
1969-1971
SEVEN
India Explodes a "Peaceful" Nuclear Device
1971- 1974
EIGHT
The Nuclear Program Stalls
1975-1980
NINE
More Robust Nuclear Policy Is Considered
1980-1984
TEN
Nuclear Capabilities Grow and Policy Ambivalence Remains
NOVEMBER 1984-DECEMBER1987
ELEVEN
The Nuclear Threat Grows Amid Political Uncertainty
1988-1990
TWELVE
American Nonproliferation Initiatives Flounder
1991- 1994
THIRTEEN
India Verges on Nuclear Tests
1995-MAY 1996
FOURTEEN
India Rejects the CTBT
JUNE 1996-DECEMBER 1997
FIFTEEN
The Bombs That Roared
1998
Conclusion:
Exploded illusions of the Nuclear Age
Afterword:
January 1999-January 2001
APPENDIX
India's Nuclear Infrastructure
NOTES
INDEX
