AbstractNuclear arms negotiations no longer give us the expectation of any stepping back from the peril under which we live. They are a charade designed to allay public fear while the military power holds civilians, politicians and scientists captive.The belief that government is subject to the democratic process is no longer valid.To maintain this military power a plausible enemy is required and a high degree of tension. We have to accept the current role of military power, we must reduce the tension and hostility serving that power and finally have effective arms control.