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Public Perspectives On The Nuclear Future, Hank C. Jenkins-Smith, Kerry G. Herron

Hank C Jenkins-Smith

Policy experts have traditionally relegated public opinion to the sidelines where US nuclear weapons policy is concerned. The public is expected to be too ill-equipped and disinterested to contribute to policy in a meaningful way. Using data from a series of nationwide studies of the structure of public opinion on nuclear issues spanning more than a decade, we explore the nature of public opinion about nuclear weapons, deterrence and terrorism. We find greater stability and coherence that might be expected, and clear trends that reflect sensitivity to changing international circumstances. We argue that the generation of stable policies will require …

Why Do States That Oppose Nuclear Proliferation Resist New Nonproliferation Obligations? Three Logics Of Nonproliferation Decision-Making, Andrew J. Grotto

Andrew J Grotto

Why do states that oppose nuclear proliferation resist initiatives to strengthen the nonproliferation regime? There is virtually universal support for the basic principle of nonproliferation—all countries but four are states-party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Yet enthusiasm among NPT parties for proposals to strengthen the nonproliferation regime varies widely even as new challenges highlight dangerous gaps in the regime.

There is something approaching consensus among scholars and policy-makers that many states resist proposals to strengthen the nonproliferation end of the NPT bargain largely because America and other NWS haven’t made satisfactory progress towards nuclear disarmament. I suggest this consensus rests …