Influence without Arms
The New Logic of Nuclear Deterrence

Do countries need weapons for nuclear deterrence? Countries without bombs use nuclear technology for leverage too, sometimes successfully.

Matthew Fuhrmann (Author)

9781108843201, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 November 2024

366 pages
23.6 x 16.1 x 2.5 cm, 0.65 kg

'This excellent book is a pathbreaking study of the causes of nuclear latency and its potential impact on international politics.… Highly recommended.' M. E. Carranza, CHOICE

How does nuclear technology influence international relations? While many books focus on countries armed with nuclear weapons, this volume puts the spotlight on those that have the technology to build nuclear bombs but choose not to. These weapons-capable countries, such as Brazil, Germany, and Japan, have what is known as nuclear latency, and they shape world politics in important ways. Offering a definitive account of nuclear latency, Matthew Fuhrmann navigates a critical yet poorly understood issue. He identifies global trends, explains why countries obtain nuclear latency, and analyzes its consequences for international security. Influence Without Arms presents new statistical and case evidence that nuclear latency enhances deterrence and provides greater influence but also triggers conflict and arms races. The book offers a framework to explain when nuclear latency increases security and when it incites instability, and generates far-reaching implications for deterrence, nuclear proliferation, arms races, preventive war, and disarmament.

Introduction
1. The logic of latent nuclear deterrence
2. What leaders think: beliefs about latent deterrence
3. Almost nuclear: identifying latent nuclear powers
4. Causes of nuclear latency: why technology spreads
5. Reaping rewards: deterring conflict and gaining influence
6 Backlash: explaining preventive attacks
7. Arms races: deterring weapons proliferation
8. Nuclear latency in world politics
References.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]