Papers
Nuclear balance and the parity index: The role of intangibles in decisions
Author(s)Ami Arbel
University of Arizona
United States
Thomas Saaty
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
United States
Luis Vargas
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
United States
Publication date: Sep, 1987
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and CyberneticsVol.: 17- Issue: 5- Pages: 821-828
Abstract: An approach to understanding and assessing issues concerning arms control is presented. Arms control has two main objectives: (1) decreasing the possibility of a nuclear exchange; and (2) limiting the scope and intensity of such an exchange. A framework is presented for dealing with those issues relevant to the nuclear balance problem that is the central issue of arms control. A parity index is derived to evaluate the relative strengths of the two negotiating parties. This index provides an aggregate measure of the ability of each party to alleviate its concern and reach its goals. The use of the index provides a quick way to test various negotiating postures and provide a quantitative assessment of their relative merit.
Keywords: Operations research, Politics, Parity index, Arms control, Quantitative assessment