Do Nuclear Weapons Promote International Security?

Do Nuclear Weapons Promote International Security?
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October 15, 2023
Since their inception, nuclear weapons have been a source of profound fascination and dread. As devices of unimaginable power, they have altered the fabric of international relations and diplomacy. These weapons have been extolled as the ultimate peacekeepers and reviled as the ultimate threats to humanity.
The research question at the heart of this analysis is: Do nuclear weapons promote international security? This is not a simple yes-or-no query but requires understanding the multifaceted arguments surrounding nuclear weapons and international relations. Accordingly, the spectrum of viewpoints on this issue is vast. At one end, we have scholars like Gray, who delves into the intricacies of deterrence theory and the nuances of nuclear strategy. Gray underscores the significance of understanding strategic deterrents' diverse and evolving nature in international relations, especially in nuclear weaponry. Though terrifying, he paints a picture of a world where nuclear weapons may offer a unique form of strategic balance.[Gray, C.S., 2000. Deterrence and the Nature of Strategy. Small Wars & Insurgencies, 11(2), pp.17-26. p. 17]
Conversely, Ward Wilson represents a more critical stance. Challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding nuclear deterrence, Wilson posits that many traditional beliefs about nuclear weapons' effectiveness as deterrents might be rooted more in myth than reality. He contends that, far from being ultimate guarantors of peace, nuclear weapons might be far less effective in preventing war than traditionally believed.[Wilson, W., 2008. The myth of nuclear deterrence. Nonproliferation Review, 15(3), pp.421-439. p. 425]
Between these two viewpoints lies a vast array of arguments, counterarguments, theories, and critiques. The journey through this debate is neither linear nor simplistic, but it is essential in our quest to understand the role of nuclear weapons in the landscape of international security.
The Argument For Nuclear Weapons Promoting International Security
Deterrence Theory
Deterrence theory, a central tenet of international relations, posits that states can be dissuaded from committing aggressive acts if they perceive the retaliatory costs to be prohibitive. Rooted in the calculations of rational actors, this principle asserts that nations will refrain from confrontations when potential reprisals could lead to intolerable losses.[Krepon, M., 2003. The stability-instability paradox, misperception, and escalation control in South Asia. Prospects for peace in South Asia, 1, pp.261-279. p. 3]
While the concept of deterrence is age-old, the nuclear age added new dimensions and gravity. The unparalleled destructive capacity of nuclear weapons reshaped the calculus of global warfare, making the imperatives of avoiding confrontations all the more stark.
As mentioned earlier, Gray's exploration touches upon the multifaceted intricacies of deterrence within nuclear strategy. Gray delineates how strategy is inherently dynamic and often paradoxical, characteristics that become even more pronounced in the nuclear realm. To Gray, nuclear...