ABSTRACT

Security concerns are the primary factors explaining why states choose to acquire or relinquish nuclear weapons. These concerns are mediated through domestic political debates and can be significantly influenced by external incentives or

disincentives, but they are fundamentally about perceptions

of state security and national interest. It follows from this that any systematic process of disarmament must prioritise security concerns. States choosing not to acquire the bomb must have

credible assurances that they will be protected against nuclear attack and will not be subject to aggression or intimidation by

other states. Nations relinquishing the bomb need viable alternative means of maintaining and enhancing their power.