ABSTRACT
The Non-Proliferation Treaty (npt) presents a case of mutual adjustment. It is a bargain between nuclear weapons states and nonnuclear weapons states. Nuclear weapons states agree to assist the nonnuclear weapons states in developing peaceful applications of nuclear power and to reduce “vertical” proliferation. The strategic perspective implies that the potential for cooperation for a group of states depends on the particular mix of policy preferences among the group’s members. International relations involve situations where cooperation is possible, even preferable, but difficult and problematic to secure. In game theory terms, states have mixed motives, and their interactions have the potential for either a cooperative or a noncooperative outcome. The theoretical distinction between these types of arrangements is of practical importance for efforts to enhance international cooperation against nuclear proliferation. Certain exogenous factors have the same general impact on cooperation in either common interest or common aversion arrangements.
