Nuclear Spectre
- PYQs linkage: (from nuclear Proliferation and nuclear deterrence topics)
- Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-cold war period. 15(2016)
- “The development of advanced missile technology and nuclear threat by North Korea has challenged the American hegemony in South-East Asia”. Evaluate the above statement in the context of recent developments in the region. 20(2017)
- Discuss the implications of the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit on the prospects of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. 15(2018)
- Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a superpower war? 15 (2015)
- Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan. 10(2019)
- Theory application: realist conception of nuclear deterrence, social constructivism
- Concepts and keywords: pre-emptive strike, fragile international order, nuclear deterrent, NPT’s non-proliferation norm, cynical understanding of deterrence, disarmament, nuclear brinkmanship
- Important facts: Iran is a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the P5+1(permanent UNSC 5 + Germany) to ensure that its capabilities remained peaceful;
- important quotes or statements:
- Brief analysis and key points from the news or editorial :
- Why threat of Nuclear Brinkmanship?
- Israel and the USA attacks on Iran create a new dynamic, wherein Iran is compelled to seek nuclear weapon (possible withdrawal from NPT) and using them as deterrent.
- Israel, being non-signatory of NPT and it’s refusal of any oversight raises the questions about the deterrence rationale and possible destructive use of weapons in West Asia.
- Russian threat to use nuclear weapons to deter conventional aggression by NATO following its Ukraine invasion.
- The renewed “competition among the great powers” and their cynical understanding of deterrence are dismantling global stability.
- Nuclear weapons states continue to expand and modernize their arsenals.
- Other countries are turning to nuclear deterrence.
- Effects of these developments:
- It threatens idea of nuclear disarmament
- Threat to non-proliferation
- What needs to be done? Way forward:
- Need for a renewed diplomatic impetus to re-establish international norms on conflict
- A stronger push for disarmament among all nuclear armed states
- A firm commitment to uphold NPT
- Practice question (framed on the basis of PYQs dimensions):
Israel –Iran conflict opens new dynamics in global politics which can potentially threaten the efforts for nuclear non-proliferation. Discuss. 15 marks