Tactical Nuclear Warfare Limitations to Prevent Escalation.
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to examine the problems involved in employing tactical nuclear weapons in limited warfare and preventing these wars from escalating to general war. These problems are approached by first determining the nature of limited war and its position in the spectrum of war. The second step is to identify possible limitations in the use of tactical nuclear weapons and the effect of these weapons on the battle field. The hypothesis presented is that under certain conditions tactical nuclear warfare can be conducted with a high assurance that it will not lead to general war. The conclusions are that limited war can be waged employing tactical nuclear weapons without escalation to general war as long as vital interests of the major powers are not endangered. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0765560
Entities
People
- William A. Sheppard
Organizations
- United States Army War College