The Realist Nuclear Regime

Abstract

Nuclear proliferation provides a testing ground for realist and idealist theories of international relations. Knowledge about the history of the nuclear age since 1945 makes it possible to evaluate the explanatory power of these two dominant schools of thought with respect to proliferation. Realism explains why a few nations have acquired nuclear weapons and why so many countries exercise restraint and cooperate in nonproliferation efforts. Political realism provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the spread of nuclear weapons. Realism predicts that conventions banning nuclear weapons are likely to fail. The main tenants of idealism revolve around the concept of world order. Students of regimes found applications for their theory beyond global economic relations in security and defense studies. Policymakers use the term “regime” in the realist sense to describe the sum of all efforts to impede nuclear proliferation. The nonproliferation norm associated with the regime is subject to the inherent limitations of international law and collective security.

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