What do you think is the primary reason that states seek nuclear proliferation? Include one example in your explanation. Then, identify and explain two different treaties designed to prevent nuclear proliferation. To what extent do you think these treaties have been successful?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. Explain the primary reason for nuclear proliferation. For example, the reason for possessing nuclear weapons is almost always to deter another state from a nuclear or conventional attack by threatening ruinous retaliation.
2. Provide an example, such as Pakistan testing its first nuclear bomb to deter India from attacking Pakistan at a nuclear level.
3. Identify and explain two different treaties designed to prevent nuclear proliferation. For example, the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
4. Discuss whether these treaties have been successful. For example, to allow full-scale testing of missile-defense technologies, the United States withdrew from the ABM Treaty in 2002. President Bush called the treaty a relic of the Cold War, but critics called the U.S. missile defense a costly blunder that could induce China to enlarge its minimal nuclear arsenal greatly.
5. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.