Abstract:
My Honors Thesis is written to demand an end to the nuclear arms race between the superpowers and to explore ways of reducing the frequency of war.I believe war in any form is a horror which should be avoided if at all possible. Nuclear war carries its own special terrors which make it absolutely imperative to prevent such a war. I have discussed the reasons for war and for peace, and I believe the costs of war are far outweighed by the gains of peace.International cooperation is necessary to avoid war. But no effective international cooperation is possible while the nuclear arms race between the superpowers continues. I have found no good reason to continue the buildup of arms, and many good reasons to stop it. Therefore, I see the immediate cessation and reversal of the arms race as the most important prerequisite to peace. From this beginning, we can build to eventual complete disarmament of the world and the growth of peaceful coexistence.If disarmament is achieved, I see many ways of maintaining peace. Personally I prefer world government as an effective orderkeeper. Through the achievement of peace, we can develop a stronger economy and a diversion of the resources currently being wasted on the arms race to more pressing world problems such as hunger and energy. I hope for a more free movement of people and ideas, and the education of all people.However, these and other goals cannot be gained as long as the nuclear arms race continues. Therefore, we must end the arms race and give ourselves a chance at peace.
