Review by Choice Review
This is an intelligent and forward-looking collection by a diverse group of European defense experts. It develops innovative approaches to the challenges facing NATO, particularly the prospect of conventional arms control negotiations. The theme of the book is that both the Warsaw Pact and the Western Alliance share the imperative to avoid war, and that in order to enhance stability in Europe this common interest must be expanded and built upon. Some of the contributors specify proposals for increasing stability through arms control and confidence-building measures; the book is at its best when putting forth these proposals. Its weakness is its disjointedness: each of the essays stands alone beautifully, but as a collection they lack continutiy and sometimes bear little relevance to the central theme. The format is also confusing: chapters are identified as having been "based on original work by" contributors and consultants, leaving the authorship vague. Despite these criticisms, the book is valuable for those interested in the future of European security. The Common Security Programme, which produced the book, is contributing constructively to the debate. The book has an originality that is unusual in the field--there is no comparable volume available. For graduate students and faculty. -A. K. Cronin, University of Maryland
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
