Weapons of Mass Destruction

This unique and timely book is a chronicle of the unrivalled political life of the late Seamus Brennan who, during a period of over 21 years (1987-2008), served as a Government minister in nine different departments. It tells the human and personal inside story of a life in Government under charles Haughey, Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern - the challenges, the opportunities, the difficulties, the personalities and the political battles.

Author Frank Lahiffe worked closely with Seamus Brennan as a Government adviser throughout the 21 years, having been appointed as his adviser by successive Governments in a record which is unique regarding time served as well as the number of departments. The book draws on the many conversations Frank and Seamus had, and includes personal records, media commentary and published accounts, along with personal recollections from a number of close friends and colleagues who shared the political life of seamus Brennan while he was serving the people of Ireland, his constituency of Dublin South and his political party, Fianna Fail.

With numerous photographs, some of which have never before been published, including ones from Seamus's childhood and early life, this is an affectionate portrait of a man hailed by friend and foe alike as a "master politician". As Shane Coleman of the Sunday Tribune said of Seamus Brennan, "Ireland was lucky to have such a man - talented, hard-working and honourable - this country deserves more politicians like Seamus Brennan".

Part of the Global Issues series, Weapons of Mass Destruction is designed to be a first-stop resource for research on a key challenge facing the world today. Each volume in the series contains three sections, beginning with an introduction that clearly defines the issue, followed by detailed case studies of the issue's affect in the United States and several other countries or regions. The second section draws together significant U.S. and international primary source documents, and the third section gathers useful research tools, such as brief biographies, facts and figures, an annotated bibliography, and more. A Foreword written by an expert in the field complements each volume. A chronology, glossary, and index provide additional help.

Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are the most advanced and lethal armaments developed by contemporary scientists and engineers. They are not designed for combat limited to the battlefield; their purpose is to unleash a sweeping destructive force that does not discriminate between soldier and civilian. Although most governments adhere to strict international treaties regarding the management of their stocks of such weapons, rogue regimes and terrorist groups remain an unpredictable and volatile variable.

Weapons of Mass Destruction provides an objective analysis of a subject easily distorted by fear. It begins with a history of the ancient and medieval use in warfare of biological weapons and goes on to explain how governments and terrorist factions have refined this practice to include biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons as a means of coercion or as a deterrent. The book examines past and current U.S. policies regarding WMD---including the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II---and how an arms race ultimately led to a cold war with the Soviet Union. The volume then offers an international perspective through discussion of how other major players---Russia, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea---Have each chosen to approach the issue of WMD.

Frank Lahiffe studied law and publicrelations and has held positions in advertising marketing, public relations and journalism. He was appointed by successive Governments as adviser to Seamus Brennan throughout an entire Government career which spanned 21 years (1987-2008) across nine Government departments.

After leaving Government service on the retirement of Seamus Brennan, Frank went on to become a Public Affairs Consultant with his own business, Lahiffe & Associates, Public Affairs and Political Communications.
Michael Kort is a professor of social science at Boston University and holds a Ph.D. in history from New York University. He is the author of the Soviet Colossus: A History of the USSR, Sixth Edition and Facts On File's A Brief History of Russia.
Foreword author Cathal J. Nolan is an associate professor of history at Boston University and executive director of the International History Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in international history and international relations and a diploma in international human rights. Nolan has published extensively in the field of international relations and global affairs and won the 2006 Outstanding Teaching Award for the Honors Program at Boston University's College of Arts and Sciences.