Home Books Weapons of Mass Destruction


Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • Authored by: Michael Kort; Foreword by Cathal J. Nolan
  • From the Series: Global Issues
  • Trim Size: 6 X 9
  • ISBN-10: 0816078270
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-8160-7827-1
  • Status: In Stock
  • List Price: $45.00
  • Imprint: Facts On File
  • Published: 04/01/2010
  • Dewey Number: 358
  • Reading Level: Grades 9 and up
  • Pages: 384

Summary

Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are the most advanced and lethal armaments developed by contemporary scientists and engineers. They are not designed for combat limited to the battlefield; their purpose is to unleash a sweeping destructive force that does not some discriminate between soldier and civilian. Although most governments adhere to strict international treaties regarding the management of their stocks of such weapons, rogue regimes and terrorist groups remain an unpredictable and volatile variable.

Weapons of Mass Destruction provides an objective analysis of a subject easily distorted by fear. It begins with a history of the ancient and medieval use in warfare of biological weapons, and how governments and terrorist factions have refined this practice to include biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons as a means of coercion or as a deterrent. The book examines past and current U.S. policies regarding WMD—including the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II—and how an arms race ultimately led to a cold war with the Soviet Union. The volume then offers an international perspective through discussion of how other major players—Russia, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea—have each chosen to approach the issue of WMD.

Specifications

Maps. Index. Bibliography. Glossary. Chronology. Tables and charts.

About the Author(s)

Michael Kort is professor of social science at Boston University and holds a Ph.D. in history from New York University. He is the author of The Soviet Colossus: A History of the USSR, Sixth Edition and Facts On File's A Brief History of Russia.

Foreword author Cathal J. Nolan is associate professor of history at Boston University and the executive director of the International History Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in international history and international relations and has a diploma in international human rights. Nolan has published extensively in the field of international relations and global affairs, and won the 2006 Outstanding Teaching Award for the Honors Program at Boston University's College of Arts and Sciences. 

Reviews and Awards

"...useful...Recommended."


Choice

"...provides a clear and even-handed treatment of a complex and controversial subject...Any library serving a clientele interested in nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare issues should find this title worth considering."


American Reference Books Annual

"A useful resource for college and high school students beginning research on the subject..."


Library Journal

Title List Price Format Status Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Adoption and Surrogate Pregnancy
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
America's Role in the World
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Biodiversity
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Censorship
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Food Security
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Freshwater Supply
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Global Warming
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Globalization and Free Trade, Second Edition
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Human Rights
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Militarization of Space
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Natural Disasters
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Nuclear Nonproliferation
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Pandemics and Global Health
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Religion and the State
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Terrorism and Global Security
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Weapons of Mass Destruction
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart
Women's Rights, Second Edition
$45.00 Hardcover In Stock Add to Wish List Add to Cart

Standing Order Plan

A Standing Order Plan saves you both time and money without risking a penny of your acquisitions budget. The number of copies you indicate of each new title under the plan you select will automatically as the new edition becomes available. If, for any reason, you wish to cancel your subscription to the plan, please contact our Customer Service Department.

Standing Order Plan available for The World AlmanacĀ® for Kids:
Plan WK1 Single-title hardcover edition at 20% discount

You can use this order form (pdf) to sign up for any of our Standing Order Plans, or you can contact our Customer Service Department:

Email: custserv@factsonfile.com
Phone Number (toll-free): 1-800-322-8755
Fax Number (toll-free): 1-800-678-3633

FREE Learning Resources