The Sky is NOT Falling: Regional Reaction to a Nuclear-Armed Iran

Abstract

Recent case studies suggest that states highly motivated to obtain nuclear weapons will eventually succeed. If Iran manages to go nuclear, as Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea have done, what will the Arabian Gulf region look like after Tehran acquires these weapons? This thesis investigates the likely responses of Israel, the Arab Gulf States, and Pakistan to an Iran armed with nuclear weapons. A detailed examination of regional statements and media analysis shows that the region will likely not be further unbalanced. Instead, these states will pursue rational responses to diminish any Iranian threats. This thesis argues that Israel will develop a mutually deterring relationship with Tehran. The Arab Gulf States will not yield to the temptation to develop domestic nuclear programs

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA445779

Entities

People

  • Peter N. Madson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Command And Control
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Military Organizations
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • South Asia
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

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