The case for a Ukrainian nuclear deterrent

Journal Article · · Foreign Affairs; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/20045622· OSTI ID:6256568

Mearsheimer, J F ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)

Conventional wisdom argues that Ukraine should be forced to give up its nuclear weapons to ensure peace and stability in Europe. This is quite wrong. As soon as Ukraine declared its independence, Washington should have encouraged Kiev to fashion its own secure nuclear deterrent. The dangers of Russian-Ukrainian rivalry bode poorly for peace. If Ukraine is forced to maintain a large conventional army to deter potential Russian expansion, the danger of war is much greater than if it maintains a nuclear capability. US policy should recognize that Ukraine, come what may, will keep its nuclear weapons.

• OSTI ID: 6256568
• Journal Information: Foreign Affairs; (United States), Journal Name: Foreign Affairs; (United States) Vol. 72:3; ISSN 0015-7120; ISSN FRNAA3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350200* -- Arms Control-- Proliferation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ASIA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
FOREIGN POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PROLIFERATION
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
UKRAINE
USA
USSR
WEAPONS