ABSTRACT
In Japan the public response is limited to rhetoric and moderate economic sanctions, but a massive nuclear-weapon program is initiated, accompanied by a major naval buildup. For instance, some people might want to use nuclear weapons to prevent destruction of the existing US division in Korea even in a situation where the US could win later without ever using nuclear weapons. The United States confronts the likely loss of the entire Indian subcontinent to temporary Soviet hegemony, a dangerous precedent for the use of nuclear weapons, and the possible permanent subordination of Iran to Soviet hegemony. Most nuclear-weapon decisions in Asia revolve around low probability—but very important—events, and many involve irrational, but not impossible, decisions. The primary political consideration is the dilemma posed for a US president and for national policy generally if nuclear weapons are stationed in Korea and if deterrence then fails.
