Why did many countries pursue treaties against certain weapons in response to the Cold War?

Many of the arms-control agreements of the Cold War period focused on mutual deterrence, a strategy in which the threat of reprisal would effectively preclude an initial attack. Kennedy considered treaties that sought to control the production of weapons in an attempt to avoid a nuclear conflict.

Why did the US build so many nuclear weapons?

The idea is to deter nuclear attacks by threatening nuclear attacks. The point of war is to destroy a foe…the US thinking is that destroying a country is not worth your own destruction. Thus, the US threatens to quite literally destroy entire countries, should they launch a nuclear first strike.

Why were treaties addressing arms limitation and territorial expansion written?

Desires to avoid another major war led to treaties addressing arms limitation and territorial expansion. The pact outlawed war as “an instrument of national policy.” In taking a leading role in these later treaties, the United States sought to limit its involvement in international affairs.

Why do countries build nuclear weapons?

The principal role of nuclear weapons is to deter potential adversaries from an attack on the United States, our allies, or our vital interests. There are grave concerns about the future proliferation of nuclear weapons among such countries as North Korea, Iraq, and Iran. The nuclear age is far from over.

Why do some countries refuse to own nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons states don’t want to lose their leverage against other countries. Some countries refuse to own nuclear weapons. These countries don’t want their potential enemies to have nuclear weapons. Some countries are just unstable. No one wants them to have nuclear weapons.

Why do you think the world needs nuclear weapons?

I can see multiple reasons for that: This will increase a global production of nuclear weapons and force neighboring countries into local arms races. Countries engaged in active military conflicts might use nuclear weapons for offensive or defensive purposes. Nuclear weapons will impede any kind of international intervention.

Is Iran trying to build a nuclear weapon?

Many countries around the world suspect that Iran is attempting to build a nuclear weapon.

How many warheads do nuclear-armed states really need?

In academia, nuclear scholars have consistently argued that nuclear-armed states only need a limited number of warheads to maintain a secure second-strike capability, and building larger arsenals is of no utility.