Week 4

Nuclear Deterrent

A military strategy aimed at preventing hostile actions by threatening significant retaliation, often through nuclear weapons.

Horizontal Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons to nations that do not currently possess them.

Vertical Proliferation

The increase in the quantity and quality of nuclear weapons by states that already possess them.

MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)

A military doctrine that asserts that a full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would result in the complete annihilation of both.

Nuclear Blackmail

The act of threatening another nation with nuclear weapon use to coerce or manipulate its actions.

Nuclear Umbrella

The protection offered by a nuclear state to its allies, wherein it promises to retaliate with nuclear weapons if they are attacked.

Nuclear Zero

The goal of completely eliminating nuclear weapons worldwide.

Nuclear Latency

The capability of a state to produce nuclear weapons without having them deployed.

Constructivism

A theory in international relations that emphasizes the impact of ideas, identities, and norms on state behavior.

The Theory of Strategic Culture

The concept that each state's unique historical, cultural, and political context influences its perception and response to threats.

AI in Nuclear Command

Artificial intelligence is utilized to enhance decision-making processes in detecting, deciding, and directing responses in nuclear command and control systems.

Proliferation Optimists

Those who believe that the spread of nuclear weapons may not necessarily destabilize global security.

Proliferation Pessimists

Those who contend that the spread of nuclear weapons will increase dangers and the risk of nuclear conflict.

Domestic Legitimacy

The necessity for governments to maintain public support and stability, particularly regarding decisions about nuclear weapons.

Security Realism

The view that nations prioritize their national security over other considerations, often leading them to develop nuclear arms.

Technological Determinism

The belief that technological innovation will shape social structures and cultural values, impacting nuclear weapons development.