Why do states build nuclear weapons Scott Sagan?

What is the central answer(s)? Sagan seeks to challenge the conventional wisdom about nuclear proliferation, namely that states will seek to develop nuclear weapons when they face a significant military threat that cannot be met through alternative means.

What are the three models of nuclear proliferation?

With nuclear proliferation a major threat to international security, this study examines the factors that led three countries to denuclearize by applying Scott Sagan’s three models: security, domestic politics, and norms.

What is the root cause of nuclear proliferation?

The connections between the spread of civilian nuclear power and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, however, are not clear-cut. The physical connection is simple: The fuel and by-product of light-water nuclear power reactors—enriched uranium and plutonium—can also be used to produce nuclear weapons.

Why nations acquire nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons act as an instrument by dominant states to safeguard and legitimize their status in the international community. More importantly, the acquisition of nuclear weapons was designed for nuclear power states to maintain their control over nuclear weapon supplies by preventing and eliminating competition.

How did South Africa get nuclear weapons?

The Republic of South Africa’s ambitions to develop nuclear weapons began in 1948 after giving commission to South African Atomic Energy Corporation (SAAEC), the forerunner corporation to oversee the nation’s uranium mining and industrial trade.

What is the difference between a hydrogen bomb and an atomic bomb?

An atomic bomb is a nuclear weapon that explodes due to the extreme energy released by nuclear fission. A hydrogen bomb is a nuclear weapon that explodes from the intense energy released by nuclear fusion.

Why do states build nuclear weapons three models in search of the bomb?

Why do states build nuclear weapons?: three models in search of a bomb. Contribution: “the norms model,” under which nuclear weapons decisions are made because weapons acquisition, or restraint in weapons development, provides an important normative symbol of a state’s modernity and identity.

How can nuclear proliferation be stopped?

We propose measures to strengthen international security standards on the storage and transport of fissile materials; stop the spread of facilities capable of producing fissile materials (reprocessing and enrichment plants); end verifiably the production of fissile material for weapons; dispose of excess weapons and …

What are the reasons for the proliferation of weapons?

Competition to gain power and status is most often the cause for the proliferation of weapons. Small arms, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons are the types of weapons most often discussed when talking about the issue.

Why we should not ban nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons should be banned because they have unacceptable humanitarian consequences and pose a threat to humanity. Owing to the massive suffering and destruction caused by a nuclear detonation, it would probably not be possible to establish such capacities, even if attempted.

Why nations do not go nuclear?

Among the reasons why nations choose not to go nuclear are the following: Technological capability. Many nations, particularly poorer nations, lack the technological capability to develop nuclear arms.

Why did South Africa get rid of nukes?

The pre-emptive elimination of nuclear weapons was expected to make a significant contribution toward regional stability and peace, and also to help restore South Africa’s credibility in regional and international politics. F.W. de Klerk saw the presence of nuclear weapons in South Africa as a problem.