The Politics of the Nuclear Weapons Freeze

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68418/2/10.1177_096701068201300311.pd

Review Essay: Armed Forces are not only for War

In two comprehensive studies published by the Brookings Institution, the historical record of US and Soviet uses of armed forces as political instruments short of war-fighting has been documented. The two studies, although not strictly comparable, provide very valuable sources of similar events, the study on the USA also using an interesting technique for deciding the outcomes. The general overview is complemented with detailed studies of particular cases, as well as a focus on some situations where nuclear threats were used. The studies suggest that a more limited American use of force would be advantageous and find that the Soviet Union uses force in a cautious manner. They do not, however, question the wisdom of weapons use, and do not systematically address questions of conflict escalation or conflict resolution. However, as a whole, the studies are a most important contribution to peace research.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68455/2/10.1177_002234338201900107.pd

Universalism vs. Particularism: On the Limits of Major Power Order

Relations between major powers can be described as shifting between universalism and particularism. In periods of universalism, major powers try to work out acceptable rules of behavior among one another, whereas in periods of particularism, they emphasize special interests of special powers. The way historians see shifts in major power relations since 1816 largely follows such a classification. By comparing the policies pursued during four periods of universalism and four periods of particularism, as well as analysing what ended or initiated such periods, the limits of major power universalism can be evaluated. Particularly, the short-comings of the recent period of detente are illuminated. Also some principles for a more enduring form of universalism are suggested.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68816/2/10.1177_002234338402100304.pd