Nuclear proliferation and national security in India and Pakistan

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:7171374

Joeck, N H.A.

This study develops an inventory of propositions from secondary literature about nuclear proliferation incentives and constraints. From this comprehensive inventory are derived eight dimensions of proliferation. Once a state has acquired the necessary technology and material to develop weapons, the critical factors that motivate proliferation are insecurity, alliance protection, and a threat of national extinction. The eight dimensions are then evaluated with respect to two critical states, India and Pakistan, both of which are on the brink of developing nuclear weapons. Extensive interviews were conducted in the United States, India, and Pakistan of senior Indian, Pakistani, and American military official, diplomats, politicians, scholars, and journalists. Based on these interviews, it is clear that Indians and Pakistanis feel themselves caught in a dilemma. Although the initial motivation for developing weapons was indeed found to be insecurity, as expected, it is generally assumed that the effect of proliferation will in fact be to render both states even less secure than they were before beginning their nuclear programs. India and Pakistan are a critical pair of states as they are in a position to assess the probable consequences of nuclear proliferation and back away from it. In so doing, they could set an example to other states of why nuclear proliferation is not in the security interest of nations.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Los Angeles (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7171374
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
350200* -- Arms Control-- Proliferation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ASIA
CONSTRAINTS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
INDIA
NATIONAL SECURITY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PAKISTAN
PROLIFERATION
SECURITY
WEAPONS