Nuclear proliferation in the Middle East: implications for the superpowers

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6439374

Pajak, R F

The diffusion of nuclear technology in the Third World and the possibility of nuclear weapons proliferation comprise one of the most acute security concerns confronting the US and its allies. Nowhere are the implications for world peace more precarious than in the volatile Middle East. In contrast to the US-Soviet political environment which a nuclear 'code of conduct' has developed, no such code of behavior exists in the Arab-Israeli milieu. A potential nuclear scenario thereby looms in large in any renewed significant conflict in the Middle East, with the consequent implications for catastrophe in the area, as well as for superpower confrontation. The political, military, and economic incentives which might impel a state to 'go nuclear' clearly obtain for Israel and its primary Arab antagonists. Israel appears on virtually every list of would-be proliferators, while politico-military incentives and the requisite economic capabilities for obtaining a nuclear capability are undeniably present in several Arab states.

• Research Organization: National Defense Univ., Washington, DC (USA). Research Directorate
• OSTI ID: 6439374
• Report Number(s): AD-A-121852/8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450200* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives
ASIA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ISRAEL
MIDDLE EAST
NATIONAL SECURITY
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PAKISTAN
PROLIFERATION
SAFEGUARDS
SECURITY
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
USA
WEAPONS