Politics, Security and Nuclear Abolition: Beyond the Idealist Rhetoric

Disarmament and non-proliferation are rightfully viewed as two sides of the same coin: the two imperatives that need to be met if the prospect of the complete elimination of nuclear weapons is to be realised. Although the existence of a link between the two concepts is obvious, the exact nature of this connection is perhaps not as clear. The central question here is whether it is politics or strategic realities that shape states’ nuclear options and by implication, the two-fold road to global zero. Its answer is of great importance, indicating which tools and policies can be most appropriate for achieving this goal. This commentary employs logical/theoretical as well as factual analysis in order to show that the link between disarmament and non-proliferation is conditioned primarily by strategic realities rather than politics.