Lovsin, Robert Daniel (2011) Non-conventional armament linkages: nuclear, biological and chemical weapons in the United Kingdom and Iraq. Doctoral thesis (DPhil), University of Sussex.

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Abstract

This dissertation examines the reasons why states want to acquire nonconventional
weapons and analyzes interconnections between decisions on nuclear
weapons (NW) on the one hand and chemical/biological weapons (CBW) on the other.
Much of the literature on non-conventional weapons has tended to focus either on
nuclear weapons or on CBW, with CBW often portrayed as the “poor man’s nuclear
bomb.” While there is some truth in this, the interconnections between decisions to
develop NW and decisions to develop CBW are more numerous, more varied and more
nuanced.

The dissertation examines non-conventional armament processes in the United
Kingdom and Iraq. Using two disparate cases provides the analysis with a
comprehensive data set, the lessons from which have formed the basis of the analysis.
Having nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) weapons for the purpose of use is not
always a state’s ultimate goal and factors as wide-ranging as national prestige and the
maintenance of international relationships are important in determining why some states
decide to pursue NBC weapons. The case study findings have been synthesized into
four key areas in which NBC linkages are particularly significant: strategic issues and
strategic cultures; political considerations; economics and finances; and future
challenges.

The key finding is that there are interconnections that show how NW and CBW
influence each other. For example, both the UK and Iraq showed that if nuclear
weapons were not available, interest in CBW would increase. Conversely, possession of
nuclear weapons does not necessarily rule out interest in acquiring CBW armament.

Non-conventional weapons present a significant challenge to the maintenance of
international peace and security. As this dissertation demonstrates, NBC weapons are
linked on many levels and it is important to understand how CBW can and do influence
policy on nuclear weapons and vice versa.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Schools and Departments:	University of Sussex Business School > SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit
Subjects:	U Military Science > U Military Science (General) > U263 Atomic warfare. Atomic weapons U Military Science > UG Military engineering. Air forces. Air Warfare. Military astronautics. Space warfare. Space surveillance > UG0001 Military engineering > UG0443 Attack and defense. Siege warfare
Depositing User:	Library Cataloguing
Date Deposited:	02 Aug 2011 09:14
Last Modified:	17 Aug 2015 13:28
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/7021

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