Table of Contents
Why do countries seek to acquire nuclear weapons?
Nuclear weapons act as an instrument by dominant states to safeguard and legitimize their status in the international community. More importantly, the acquisition of nuclear weapons was designed for nuclear power states to maintain their control over nuclear weapon supplies by preventing and eliminating competition.
What countries are seeking nuclear weapons?
The countries with successful, on-going nuclear weapons programs are Britain, France, China, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. In addition, Iran is suspected of actively seeking nuclear weapons.
Why do states seek nuclear weapons?
State survival is arguably the principal reason that states have sought nuclear arms. The proliferation of nuclear weapons has in turn led other states to seek nuclear weapons for their own state’s survival. The main period in history that this nuclear arms race occurred was during the Cold War.
What are the downsides of one state having nuclear weapons?
However, a downside to one state having nuclear weapons is that other states may feel threatened by this and actively seek nuclear weapons themselves (Sidel et al. 2007, 1591). The Cold War saw an acceleration of states that sought to gain nuclear weapons in the interest of their survival (Holloway 2010, 379).
Why did countries gain nuclear weapons during the Cold War?
The Cold War saw an acceleration of states that sought to gain nuclear weapons in the interest of their survival (Holloway 2010, 379). In particular, for the UK and France, this was due to their doubts that the US’s guarantee of nuclear protection to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member states could be relied upon (Pifer 2011, 13-16).
What is the current US foreign policy on nuclear weapons?
Current U.S. foreign policy follows the latter approach. The United States, along with its allies and other powerful nuclear-armed states, has worked to eliminate the spread of nuclear weapons, while also attempting to coax rival nuclear-armed states into relinquishing their nuclear weapons.