Returning from the Brink: Is There a Theory-Based Explanation for the Attenuation of Horizontal Nuclear Proliferation?
Abstract
The purposes of this study are to identify reasons for decisions by seven countries in the 1990s to abjure nuclear weapons and to apply international relations theory to interpret those decisions. In order to ascertain reasons behind these national decisions this study uses the structured, focused comparison methodology. This approach enables a researcher to investigate systematically the similarities, as well as differences, between cases that suggest generalizations. Further, because this methodology uses standardized questions that can include variables germane to a particular issue policy-relevant results can be obtained. The second purpose of this study is accomplished by applying three theories to interpret case study findings. Neorealism has been the most prominent theory of international relations since the late 1970s, and it has been used to explain decisions by states to acquire nuclear weapons. Therefore it is important to determine whether this theory can be used to interpret decisions by countries to abjure nuclear arms. Since neorealism may not be entirely adequate in this regard, two other theories, neoliberal institutionalism and constructivism, are also applied because they call greater attention to international factors in domestic politics and the role of domestic factors in international relations, respectively. This study shows that none of the three theories alone is adequate to interpret decisions by national governments to abjure nuclear weapons. Each theory is useful to interpret certain actions by some states, but is less illuminating in other instances. More thorough interpretations seem to reside within the purview of inquiries by scholars who have endeavored to elaborate and to refine neorealism, and thereby to synthesize this theory with elements of neoliberal institutionalism and constructivism to create two-level, multi-factor heuristic frameworks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA359075
Entities
People
- Charles E. Costanzo
Organizations
- University of Alabama