Political Conclusions of the Study 'The Consequences of War and the Prevention of War'

Horst Afheldt
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Horst Afheldt: Max Planck Institut für die Erforschung der Lebensbedingungen in der wissenschaftlich-technischen Welt, Starnberg

Journal of Peace Research, 1973, vol. 10, issue 3, 259-263

Abstract: Seven theses and two consequences constitute the summary of the study: Thesis 1: The Federal Republic of Germany can not be defended by means of conven tional weapons. Thesis 2: The use of nuclear weapons in defence of West Germany would lead to nuclear self-destruction. Thesis 3: For the Federal Republic of Germany there only exists a self-contradictory pol icy of deterrence (deterrence by means of incalculable risks for both sides). Thesis 4: Between the superpowers there exists a strategy of deterrence which in its mili tary logic is not self-contradictory. Thesis 5: Deterrence policy as pursued by the superpowers (however) results in an arms race. Thesis 6: The arms race increases the risk of war. Thesis 7: The attempt to maintain an equilibrium of deterrence through the arms race cripples the superpowers politically and militarily. Consequences: 1. Precisely because it is highly questionable, the deterrence system opens up a margin of man oeuvre for the Federal Republic of Germany to utilize armaments decisions as a means for foreign policy.2. In the appraisal of any policy, top priority must be given to contributions to the creation of a politically guaranteed world peace.

Date: 1973
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