ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses reasons why some arguments linking disarmament and nuclear nonproliferation are in error. It addresses the reasons why total nuclear disarmament is dangerous and impractical. The chapter argues that disarmament would have at least two positive effects. First, nuclear-weapon possession would be discredited and would no longer be a means to acquire prestige. Second, proliferants would have no reason to seek nuclear weapons as a deterrent against nuclear weapon states. Disarmament would not negate the already-limited prestige value of nuclear weapons. Some argue that nuclear disarmament by the five declared nuclear weapon states is necessary to remove an important threat against non-nuclear-weapon states. In the case of the United States and Russia, total nuclear disarmament is highly unlikely in the near or midterm future, although both will continue to identify the concept as a goal in an ideal world.
