Nuclear Proliferation and the Psychology of Political Leadership

Beliefs, Motivations and Perceptions

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Arms Control, International, International Security, International Relations
Cover of the book Nuclear Proliferation and the Psychology of Political Leadership by Kelly P O'Reilly, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kelly P O'Reilly ISBN: 9781136011924
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 15, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Kelly P O'Reilly
ISBN: 9781136011924
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 15, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book offers a novel approach to understanding the puzzle of nuclear proliferation by examining how leaders’ beliefs and perceptions about the international system influence states' decisions to acquire nuclear weapons.

Today, there is a persisting dilemma over the spread of nuclear weapons for both practitioners and scholars of international affairs. Uncertainty remains whether determined proliferators can be stopped, as shown by the cases of North Korea and Iran. These instances of proliferation raise questions about regional stability, the use of pre-emptive military action, and the potential for reactive-proliferation by neighbouring countries. Despite the serious implications surrounding the spread of these weapons, proliferation scholarship has thus far failed to solve what has been described as the "proliferation puzzle"- why do some countries choose nuclear weapons while others do not?

The author argues that understanding basic psychological motivations, such as the role of power and perceptions of self and others, forms a strategic context which provides answers about a leader’s willingness to proliferate. Proliferation willingness is a critical, yet frequently overlooked, part of the proliferation equation. Ultimately, it is the combination of willingness and proliferation opportunity (i.e. technical and scientific capabilities) that determines whether a country 'goes nuclear'. By examining several historical instances of proliferation decision-making—in South Africa, India, Libya and Australia—the book's findings highlight the fundamental role of leaders’ beliefs in shaping proliferation outcomes.

This book will be of much interest to students of nuclear proliferation, political psychology, security studies and IR in general.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book offers a novel approach to understanding the puzzle of nuclear proliferation by examining how leaders’ beliefs and perceptions about the international system influence states' decisions to acquire nuclear weapons.

Today, there is a persisting dilemma over the spread of nuclear weapons for both practitioners and scholars of international affairs. Uncertainty remains whether determined proliferators can be stopped, as shown by the cases of North Korea and Iran. These instances of proliferation raise questions about regional stability, the use of pre-emptive military action, and the potential for reactive-proliferation by neighbouring countries. Despite the serious implications surrounding the spread of these weapons, proliferation scholarship has thus far failed to solve what has been described as the "proliferation puzzle"- why do some countries choose nuclear weapons while others do not?

The author argues that understanding basic psychological motivations, such as the role of power and perceptions of self and others, forms a strategic context which provides answers about a leader’s willingness to proliferate. Proliferation willingness is a critical, yet frequently overlooked, part of the proliferation equation. Ultimately, it is the combination of willingness and proliferation opportunity (i.e. technical and scientific capabilities) that determines whether a country 'goes nuclear'. By examining several historical instances of proliferation decision-making—in South Africa, India, Libya and Australia—the book's findings highlight the fundamental role of leaders’ beliefs in shaping proliferation outcomes.

This book will be of much interest to students of nuclear proliferation, political psychology, security studies and IR in general.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book School, Family, and Community Partnerships, Student Economy Edition by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Language, Ideology and Point of View by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Feminism And Philosophy by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Troublesome Behaviour in the Classroom by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Post-Conflict Studies by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Kingdoms of the Sudan by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Hazardous Waste Sites by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Doing Survey Research by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Perspectives on Industrial Ecology by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Protecting the Sacred, Creating Peace in Asia-Pacific by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book The Manager's Guide to Discipline by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book A House Divided by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Pedagogies of Public Memory by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Intra-Asian Trade and the World Market by Kelly P O'Reilly
Cover of the book Gothic Peregrinations by Kelly P O'Reilly
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy