Political Science 2231E Study Guide - Final Guide: Nuclear Proliferation, Nuclear Peace, Security Dilemma
9 May 2020
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Document Summary
The development of nuclear weapons would mean no ww3 due to great power conflict being limited. States that have developed nuclear weapons (pakistan, india) have tended to become less belligerent after getting bombs. Much of this is due to the apocalyptic nature of nuclear weapons, meaning that it is rarely (if ever) in a state"s best interests to use said weapons. Therefore, the threat or risk of nuclear war has moderated states" actions in the international arena. Also, effective deterrence of nuclear weapons when combined with a proper second-strike capability make any nuclear war unwinnable. Meaning, no state will aim to start a nuclear war; this provides an effective deterrent against creating a situation that could potentially escalate into nuclear conflict. Deterrence can fail and there is no guarantee that a nuclear deterrent will work flawlessly until the end of time. States cannot always behave rationally and any miscalculation could lead to a nuclear war.
