Author: Lewis. F. Richardson
Publisher/Publication: Boxwood
DOI/ISBN: 9780835703789
Abstract: One of the fundamental texts in the quantitative study of arms build-ups, Lewis F. Richardson’s “Arms and Insecurity” employs mathematical models to analyse the roots of conflict. It explores how arms build-up, political tensions and socio-economic factors amplify global insecurity, increasing the likelihood of war. The central thesis of the book is that arms races and the accumulation of military power can exacerbate global insecurity, leading to a higher likelihood of armed conflicts. This pioneering work challenges conventional wisdom, emphasizing the power of quantitative analysis to decipher the intricate dynamics of international conflicts. Richardson’s book remains a cornerstone in conflict studies, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches and the pursuit of global security through mathematical understanding.