The debate over whether nuclear weapons stabilize the international system or make it more dangerous has accompanied the atomic age from its very beginning. Both sides of the argument can sound persuasive. Yet recent discussions in Western Europe suggest something more troubling than disagreement: a growing frivolity toward weapons whose sole historical purpose has been mass annihilation.
Supporters of nuclear proliferation argue that atomic weapons are, above all, instruments of deterrence. In their view, nuclear arms protect weaker states from coercion and force stronger powers to replace military pressure with diplomacy. Many scientists…
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