Far from being a relic of the Cold War, this study argues arms control has a continuing role to play in addressing Europe's new insecurities and instabilities and, therefore, should be pursued ambitiously for its potential contribution to peace and security.

This paper urges Western governments to consider the alternatives approaches of cooperation, détente and even partnership as the basis for addressing nuclear concerns, as well as Iran's growing influence on the entire region. Such a change in policy would require courage and patience, and the results are by no means certain. But while cooperation may not diminish Iran's nuclear ambitions, a change in approach could bring results in important areas beyond the nuclear issue. The risks of such a strategy, it is argued, are not so great as to mitigate against taking this opportunity while there is still time. Should Iran nevertheless obtain nuclear weapons in a decade's time, deterrence, containment and détante would still be effective options. Until such a time, the chance to involve Iran in efforts to bring stability to the region should not be squandered.

De tre forfattere mener at de forsvars- og udenrigspolitiske institutioner i Europa bør styrkes og at EUs budget bør finansiere våbenprogrammerne

From the John Holmes Library collection.