AN ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS ON INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Kevin,M Kearney (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Perhaps no technological innovation in modern history made more of an impact on the course of international relations than the creation of the nuclear bomb. The question of its exact influence on international affairs is an important one that this thesis will discuss and analyze. / Since the creation of nuclear weapons, there have been positive and negative aspects of its influence on international affairs. Some of the positives include a decrease in devastating conventional warfare and an increased reliance on diplomacy over conflict. The negative consequences include the possibility of radiation from the use of nuclear weapons, the instability of the mutually assured destruction (MAD) principle, and complicated moral dilemmas in the use of such potentially catastrophic weapons. / Historically, political figures and theorists have had contrasting views on nuclear weapons and their influence since their deployment on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The theory of deterrence became a strong defense in favor of nuclear weapons. Deterrence theory essentially states that due to the sheer ability of a nation to counterattack in devastating way utilizing nuclear weapons, rival states are dissuaded from using their own nuclear weapons. Others have claimed that this theory is empirically illogical and very unstable. Those who support this stance include renowned political figure Henry Kissinger, who actually once supported deterrence theory, but has since reversed his position. / This thesis will center on exploring how the impacts of nuclear weapons have had an influence on the world as a whole, both through their use, and the threat of deployment, and whether my presumed positives and negatives are valid. To do this, I will describe and analyze several key cases in which I believe nuclear weapons helped avoid serious conflict. These cases include the Middle East, the Cold War, the Pakistan-India conflicts, and Japan. /

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2014

Keywords

Nuclear weapons, Deterrence, War, International conflict

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