Publisher's Synopsis
For nearly forty years, the cessation of nuclear testing, in the form of a Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), has occupied a central position on the arms control agenda. No other proposed arms control measure has caused as much controversy for as long of a period of time. This book is the first comprehensive study of U.S. policy during the entire period of negotiations, from 1958 to early 1995. Negotiations for a CTBT provides a comprehensive historical analysis in terms of events, negotiations, and decisions made. Two "levels" of negotiations, national and international, are addressed, as well as an overview of test ban negotiations, the fundamental obstacles to agreement, and the present impact of a comprehensive test ban treaty. The factors that caused the negotiations for a CTBT to fail are also discussed.