Why might nuclear weapons provide for security in international relations?

Power therefore , becomes a means to the end of security , that end being survival in the international system : Because power is a possible useful means , sensible statesmen try to have an appropriate amount of it .In crucial situations , however , the ultimate concern of states is not for power but for security (Waltz 1989 : 40 . So , nuclear weapons allow states to become security maximizers rather than power maximizers and nuclear weapons offer a reasonable option for all states to acquire a deterrent capability that would ensure long-term security . Power maximization , Waltz maintains

, often distorts perceptions and proves dysfunctional , triggering counterbalancing coalitions of states

Deterrence , on the other hand , depends on what one can do , not on what one will do (Waltz 1990 : 733 . Nuclear weapons differ greatly from conventional weapons and this difference is essential in grasping the pacific effects of nuclear weapons . With nuclear arms

.states need threaten to use only a small amount of force . This is so because once the willingness to use a little force is shown , the adversary knows how easily more can be added . This is not true with conventional weapons . Therefore , it is often useful for a country to threaten to use great force if conflict should lead to war . The stance may be intended as a deterrent one , but the ability to carry the threat through is problematic . With conventional weapons , countries tend to emphasize the first phase of war . Striking hard to achieve a quick victory may decrease the cost of war . With nuclear weapons , political leaders worry not about what may happen in the first phase of fighting but about what may happen in the end (Waltz 1990 : 733-734

This logic of security not only extends to NWS , but all other countries that remain under the protective umbrella of such...