Could a nuclear arms freeze be negotiated?

Kevin N. Lewis

Expert InsightsPublished 1982

This paper looks at the nuclear freeze issue from a negotiator's point of view. A nuclear freeze treaty would be more than a list of principles. It must also address a number of technical issues. Even if the technical aspects of verification can be agreed upon, both sides must be able to precisely define what is to be verified. Although many people advocate using the freeze as the basis for future negotiations, a number of key factors probably would prevent the successful conclusion of a meaningful treaty. The most important question to be resolved relates to timing: do we freeze now, talk later, or what? The author talks about the consequences of failure. His final admonition is that we must look before we leap.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1982
  • Pages: 18
  • Document Number: P-6817

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Lewis, Kevin N., Could a nuclear arms freeze be negotiated? Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1982. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6817.html.
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