The Nuclear War Game

Government Review: "The Scottish Government is firmly opposed to the possession of nuclear weapons... on moral, on economic and on strategic grounds... We welcome in particular your positive suggestions for how all of the world's nuclear weapons states could work together to move the disarmament process forward." A meeting is being held in a very old and grand country house in Sussex. The house is accessed by a long drive with high security gates, surrounded by open fields with sheep safely grazing. Inside, a week-long meeting is taking place around a conference table, at which are seated some 70 participants, mainly ambassadors and civil servants. The topic under discussion is the future of the United Nations Treaty relating to Nuclear Weapons. Chatham House Rules of confidentiality apply. There is a sense of both resignation and frustration in the air. As with previous such meetings, the author is privileged to attend: he is a free agent, unattached to any government position. But he has an unusual skill set and a passionate desire to resolve the inherent global threats and risks of nuclear warfare, with its possible consequences of the destruction of human life on the planet. The meeting embraces the greatest political power tension in the world - and therefore the greatest opportunity for global political change. This report sets out the author's unique 'can-do' viewpoint of the current position and his vision for the future of the Treaty and for global security. This meeting is important - and so is this book.