Nuclear weapons

Nuclear weapons

Nuclear weapons play an essential role in international security and politics. Various reasons inspire stats to pursue nuclear programmes.[1] A leading cause for weaker states to embark on nuclear programmes is intending to strengthen their security position, especially where they lack military capabilities.[2] Nuclear weapons offer instant security. Moreover, they are more appealing in comparison with the conventional forces. Consequently, smaller states like Iran, which lack the military might of larger states opt to pursue nuclear programmes. The underlying distrust and perceived threats from other states with military capabilities further inform the nuclear ambition of a state. The ensuing influence and power that nuclear weapons bring to a state imply that even a small state attains formidable powers. This is indicative of a desire for influence and power.

Such behaviour may lead to vertical or horizontal proliferation, not to mention it might trigger a ‘domino effect’. In this case, a state may also embark on a nuclear programme simply because a neighbouring state has a stockpile of nuclear weapons. Other reasons why a state may feel compelled to pursue a nuclear programme include benefitting from the recognition, prestige and diplomatic clout that usually accompanies such an investment.

The passage of the non-proliferation treaty (NPT) was instrumental in controlling the buildup of nuclear weapon stockpiles by states. Consequently, all the states that had built.

[1] Ross, Andrew L. 2009. The Role of Nuclear Weapons in International Politics: A Strategic Perspective. https://www.fpri.org/article/2009/03/the-role-of-nuclear-weapons-in-international-politics-a-strategic-perspective/

[2] Bell, Mark S. 2019 “Nuclear opportunism: A theory of how states use nuclear weapons in international politics.” Journal of Strategic Studies 42, no. 1 (November): 3-28