The Superpowers: Nuclear Weapons and National Security. National Issues Forums.

Designed to stimulate thinking about United States-Soviet relationships in terms of nuclear weapons and national security, this document presents ideas and issues that represent differing viewpoints and positions. Chapter 1, "Rethinking the U.S.-Soviet Relationship," considers attempts to achieve true national security, and chapter 2, "Peace through Strength: Regaining the Upper Hand," suggests that the chief threat to the United States is Soviet aggression and that the only method to ensure peace is to increase U.S. military force. Chapter 3, "A Safer Competition: Cooperating on the Nuclear Issues," asserts that the nuclear arms race, not Soviet expansion, is the real threat to U.S. security, while chapter 4, "Common Concerns: Working with the Soviets," indicates that tensions between the superpowers pose the greatest threat to security. Avoiding entangling alliances and a global military presence that heightens the chances of confrontation are the themes of chapter 5, "America on Its Own: Redefining Our Global Commitments." Chapter 6, "Which Direction for Superpower Relations?" suggests that viewpoints about nuclear arms and national security depend upon how individuals assess various risks and dangers. (JHP)