Abstract

The Soviet Union disappeared from the world’s political map on Christmas Day 1991 leaving behind 30,000 nuclear weapons. Its principal successor, the Russian Federation, bankrupt and about to face food rationing, faced political turmoil and lawlessness.

The day was saved by the former enemy which has organised and funded the dismantlement of these weapons and other nuclear paraphernalia; and for the making safe of, and provision of security for, facilities which remain, to the tune of a billion dollars a year. The other nations of the G8 have pledged a further billion dollars a year for each year from 2002 to 2012. The magnitude compass and unlooked-for consequences of these programmes are such that a case can be put for their being one of the signal events of 20th century international relations – and yet little is known of them.