Evaluate how the introduction of nuclear weapons changed the trajectory of realist approaches to security.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The introduction of nuclear weapons introduced the prospect of nuclear annihilation, and thus a series of new concerns arose with respect to nuclear might. First, states with nuclear arsenals felt the need to possess weapons in quantities and with capabilities (explosive power, accuracy) sufficient to ensure the ability to retaliate against an attack. Ensuring a second-strike capability became critical, and the action-reaction cycle of arms competition between the major nuclear powers ensued. Second, acquiring nuclear capabilities became important to other countries.Finally, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons materials to other states has become a major issue as well. In addition to efforts to construct international agreements and institutions such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968), the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty (1996), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (1957), a variety of efforts, from the offering of benefits and rewards to more coercive measures including military operations, have been undertaken to prevent other states from gaining nuclear capabilities.