Nuclear proliferation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Nuclear proliferation - Essay Example Since campaigning for office, Barack Obama has frequently mentioned that, â€Å"in an ideal world, there would be no nuclear weapons†. The main goal of this essay is to evaluate this and explain why I agree or disagree with it.What I will argue is that the possession of nuclear weapons has in fact deterred and stopped a nuclear war. In fact, nuclear proliferation does not increase the risk of war, it prevents it. Based on what I will argue there is, even more, chance of a major war between states if there are no nuclear weapons.In the first section of this essay, I will analyze the theories that relate to this argument of further spread of nuclear weapons. To do that I will look into Kenneth Waltz’s theory of neo-realism and his thought on nuclear proliferation. I will also look into the theories like security dilemma, Mutual assured destruction and nuclear deterrence. In the second section I will analyse these theories in relation to the theoretical background. After t hat I will give my concluding remarks. The reference in this essay are in a Chicago style, both in the bibliography and footnotes.Neo-realism or structural realism is a theory which places emphasis on that ideology that the international system is anarchic. What is meant by this is that there is no higher government or an international police. The result of this is that states constantly try to increase their security and that is done with more power. The theory assumes that statesmen think and act in terms of self-interest defined as power.