Steps the United States is taking to lessen the danger of war while building international confidence and security are described. The commitment of the United States to arms control is based on the conviction that the United States and the Soviet Union have a common interest in the avoidance of nuclear war and the survival of the human race. A responsible national security policy must include both strong deterrence and active pursuit of arms control. Described in this guide are the comprehensive proposals that the United States has developed on each of the following eight major arms control issues: strategic arms, intermediate-range nuclear forces, conventional forces, chemical weapons, curbing nuclear testing, limiting the spread of nuclear weapons, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and space arms control. Each of the proposals is designed to cut the level of arms, establish a more stable military balance at reduced levels, and strengthen world peace. Also provided in the guide are a list of arms control agreements and an arms control glossary. (RM)