Belief systems and arms control possibilities: or why we never get past first base in arms control

Abstract

This paper argues that a major impediment to arms control agreements in the past has been the mindsets of policymakers. The first part of the paper outlines different types of mindsets and the sorts of policy options they are likely to generate. Five mindsets and associated strategies for the 'totalitarian' , at one extreme, to the 'pacifist' at the other, are outlined. The second half of the paper examines what implications the interaction of these different strategic perspectives have for progress in arms control.