The Worst-Kept Secret

Israel's Bargain with the Bomb

Nonfiction, History, Military, Weapons, Middle East, Israel
Cover of the book The Worst-Kept Secret by Avner Cohen, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Avner Cohen ISBN: 9780231510264
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: October 15, 2010
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Avner Cohen
ISBN: 9780231510264
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: October 15, 2010
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Israel has made a unique contribution to the nuclear age. It has created a special "bargain" with the bomb. Israel is the only nuclear-armed state that does not acknowledge its possession of the bomb, even though its existence is a common knowledge throughout the world. It only says that it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons to the Middle East.

The bomb is Israel's collective ineffable-the nation's last great taboo. This bargain has a name: in Hebrew, it is called amimut, or opacity. By adhering to the bargain, which was born in a secret deal between Richard Nixon and Golda Meir, Israel has created a code of nuclear conduct that encompasses both governmental policy and societal behavior. The bargain has deemphasized the salience of nuclear weapons, yet it is incompatible with the norms and values of a liberal democracy. It relies on secrecy, violates the public right to know, and undermines the norm of public accountability and oversight, among other offenses. It is also incompatible with emerging international nuclear norms.

Author of the critically acclaimed Israel and the Bomb, Avner Cohen offers a bold and original study of this politically explosive subject. Along with a fair appraisal of the bargain's strategic merits, Cohen critiques its undemocratic flaws. Arguing that the bargain has become increasingly anachronistic, he calls for a reform in line with domestic democratic values as well as current international nuclear norms. Most ironic, he believes Iran is imitating Israeli amimut. Cohen concludes with fresh perspectives on Iran, Israel, and the effort toward global disarmament.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Israel has made a unique contribution to the nuclear age. It has created a special "bargain" with the bomb. Israel is the only nuclear-armed state that does not acknowledge its possession of the bomb, even though its existence is a common knowledge throughout the world. It only says that it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons to the Middle East.

The bomb is Israel's collective ineffable-the nation's last great taboo. This bargain has a name: in Hebrew, it is called amimut, or opacity. By adhering to the bargain, which was born in a secret deal between Richard Nixon and Golda Meir, Israel has created a code of nuclear conduct that encompasses both governmental policy and societal behavior. The bargain has deemphasized the salience of nuclear weapons, yet it is incompatible with the norms and values of a liberal democracy. It relies on secrecy, violates the public right to know, and undermines the norm of public accountability and oversight, among other offenses. It is also incompatible with emerging international nuclear norms.

Author of the critically acclaimed Israel and the Bomb, Avner Cohen offers a bold and original study of this politically explosive subject. Along with a fair appraisal of the bargain's strategic merits, Cohen critiques its undemocratic flaws. Arguing that the bargain has become increasingly anachronistic, he calls for a reform in line with domestic democratic values as well as current international nuclear norms. Most ironic, he believes Iran is imitating Israeli amimut. Cohen concludes with fresh perspectives on Iran, Israel, and the effort toward global disarmament.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book The Huainanzi by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Love and Liberation by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book The Splendid Vision by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Schools for Conflict or for Peace in Afghanistan by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book The End of Progress by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Sisters of the Cross by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book The Columbia History of Jews and Judaism in America by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Group Work Practice to Advance Social Competence by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Climate Change by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book The Resurrection of the Body in Western Christianity, 200–1336 by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Shanghai Homes by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book How the Gloves Came Off by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Reassembling Motherhood by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book Who Made Early Christianity? by Avner Cohen
Cover of the book The Heretic in Darwin’s Court by Avner Cohen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy