India’s May 1998 nuclear decision forms the backdrop to the contributions in this edited volume. In general, Prisoners of the Nuclear Dream is a critique of the nuclear tests, the motives underlying the decision, as well as the immorality, dangers and costs inherent in developing a nuclear arsenal. The critique is in four parts, each focussing on a cluster of issues; and it proceeds as follows. India does not need nuclear weapons against Pakistan and China, neither of which constitutes a threat. There are grave problems and dangers associated with the development and deployment of a full-fledged arsenal. The logic of nuclear deterrence is incoherent, illegal and immoral, and those who advocate building the bomb are committing treason (against humanity, that is). Weaponization demonstrates a turn towards militarism and its associated ills, including the diversion of much needed resources from developmental activities. Finally, the very pursuit of nuclear technology involves a price in terms of health and environmental pollution, while the actual employment of nuclear weapons would involve the infliction of unimaginable horror and suffering on innocent people.
January 2004, volume 28, No 1