Nuclear Proliferation: ElBaradei on Non-Military Solutions

The root cause of nuclear proliferation is a state’s sense of insecurity or aspiration to increase its power and influence. Given these strategic motives and the lessons of recent history, it is fanciful to think that the use of force and humiliation will discourage a regime from pursuing nuclear weapons.

VIENNA – In 1966, the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and China not only were the only countries that possessed nuclear weapons; they also had enough wisdom to recognize the dangers posed by nuclear proliferation. Despite their many and deep political differences, they arrived at a consensus to halt the further dissemination of “nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.”