Why do states want nuclear weapons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why do states want nuclear weapons - Essay Example First and foremost we have to understand that many states view the nuclear club as a prestigious guild, for them it is a quick and sure-fire way to not only gain entry into the club but also gain international standing and stature. (Perkovich (1998) p.2) On the other hand gaining the status of a nuclear state can also bolster support for a regime in a particular country. Cases in point are both India and Pakistan. The surge in popularity of the BJP the ruling coalition party in power at the time of weaponized nuclear tests and massive popularity for the Prime minister of Pakistan Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his ruling party after the nuclear tests both illustrate the point. The double standards of the worlds only super power the US, towards Israel has caused some dissent in other nations. This has caused a letup in nonproliferation efforts and leads to decreasing pressure on countries trying to acquire nuclear status, hence more countries try to acquire these weapons. (Perkovich (1998) p.3-4) Another possible reason given to justify the acquisition of nuclear capability is that nuclear weapons can prevent regional and international conflicts due to the threat of mutual destruction. The apprehension countries with regards to its adversaries' present or future strength can serve as a strong motivation for a country to go nuclear as nuclear weapons may be a cheaper (on the whole) alternative to an economically disastrous and militarily dangerous conventional arms race. (Perkovich (1998) p.4) India and Pakistan as well as Israel, the U.S, Russia and China all developed nuclear weapons for reasons of national security. But in some cases as mentioned earlier security was not the only concern. India, U.K, France and even South Africa (which later abandoned its nuclear programme and was declared a nuclear weapons free country) all developed nuclear weapons to further their standing in the regional and international arena, to show-off their national scientific competency and establish themselves as key players in regional and international politics. (Perkovich (1998) p.6) Finally there can only be two views of the current situation and the future line of action. One idea is allowing the induction of more states in to the nuclear club i.e. allowing them to have the weapons. Since the threat of mutual destruction increases, the idea of minimal deterrence pops up. The other option is to limit proliferation of nuclear weapons moving into phased reduction of weapons till the ultimate goal of de-armament is achieved (Perkovich (1998) p.10). But one has to admit regardless of however much optimistic one might be that this scenario at least in the present or in the near future is not probable "at all", given the never-ending quest of countries to acquire nuclear capability and the disagreement amongst the members of the nuclear club on major non-proliferation issues. Work Cited Perkovich, George (Autumn, 1998), "Nuclear Proliferation". Foreign Policy, Volume No.