Nuclear Proliferation In The United States

In August of 1945, the United States of America demonstrated its might and power when it exposed the world to its nuclear weapons through the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These bombings led to over 200,000 causalities in the area, as well as the end of World War II (Keylor). Since 1945, countries all around the world have been pushing for the creation of their own nuclear weapons. Acquiring nuclear weapons is a way that many countries believe they can protect themselves from other countries that may use nuclear weapons. Although these insecurities that other countries may have are significant concerns, they should not be a reason for nuclear proliferation. Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons. This can be a danger to …show more content…
This is because when countries obtain nuclear weapons it can “cause countermeasures that are fraught with danger…which would run ‘novice’ runs” (Posen 452). Posen elaborates on that point when he says “as other states acquire nuclear weapons, they may inadvertently threaten each other, setting off new security competitions” (Posen 452). This exemplifies the idea that nuclear weapons can be destabilizing. If more countries are able to obtain them, the threat of competition can cause nations to want to use nuclear weapons, and as soon as one state begins to use nuclear weapons it will most likely cause other states to do so. Nuclear weapons are also destabilizing because they are not secure. As was previously stated, there is no guarantee that nations will not use them against one another which can destabilize a region because it is unknown if you can trust other states. The only way to make sure that nations do not use them against each other is to stop the spread of …show more content…
Thus, it could lead to the possibility of terrorist groups obtaining them. Posen raises this idea when he states “…many have been concerned that nuclear weapon could fall into the hands of terrorists. One way this could occur…would be for a state with a weapons program to give or sell one to a terrorist group” (Posen 458). Posen further discusses how it would be unlikely for this to happen in the case of Iran. Nonetheless, there is still the possibility that it could happen. If terrorist groups are able to obtain nuclear weapons, it would not only destabilize the state of the terrorists, but it could also destabilize the international community because it is unknown who has these weapons. This is especially true for nations that are underdeveloped and are not able to follow certain regulations. Even though nuclear weapons are destabilizing to an area, some may consider it stabilizing. Many state that nuclear weapons can be stabilizing due to the rationalist theory that all states have their own self-interest in mind at the end of the day. Therefore, if states understand the power and the consequences of nuclear powers then they will not even bother to use it on one another. The idea that states having nuclear weapons will assure other states that it will not be used proves the point of why nuclear proliferation should be stopped. What is the point of nuclear