Indispensable Nation: U.S. Security Guarantees and Nuclear Proliferation

Abstract

This essay explores the connection between security guarantees and nuclear proliferation by allies of great powers. I propose a model to explain why U.S. allies pursue nuclear proliferation. I assert that this movement toward nuclear weapons occurs when an ally perceives that the U.S. defense commitment has become insufficient for the threat environment. I test this model using a case study of South Koreas exploration of nuclear weapons in the 1970s.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1042196

Entities

People

  • J. W. Brown

Organizations

  • School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Arms Control Treaties
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military History
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Nato
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Strategic Security Studies