摘要：Since 11 September 2001, discussions about theapplications of nuclear deterrence have been relegated to the back burner while our national security focuses more on the threat of nonstate actorsand “axis of evil” rogue states than it has on possiblepeer competitors. Nevertheless, Keith Payne’s book,although written before 11 September, is relevantto the national security needs of the moment. Thepassing of the Antiballistic Missile Treaty, the increasing likelihood that rogue actors may obtainnuclear weapons, and the recent episode ofbrinkmanship between India and Pakistan all combine to thrust to center stage any questions aboutthe importance and utility of nuclear weapons inthe twenty-first century.
