Which non-nuclear nations SHOULD acquire nuclear weapons?

[daenku32]

Was listening to NPR's show where they discussed nuclear weapons.

The question I want to present to those who want to maintain a nuclear stockpile is: which non-nuclear nations around the world SHOULD acquire nuclear weapons?

Although many of them have signed treaties that they wouldn't, simply having nuclear weapons for defensive purpose is still defended by some, and this would mean that the treaties are counter productive for these nations.

I think this is pertinent question in any discussion where people insist on defending active nuclear arms program.

 

[Ryokan]

None.

 

[Jensen]

The Shire.

 

[Crossbow]

None.

Seconded!

No additional countries should have nuclear weapons.

And those countries that do have nuclear weapons, should be working towards getting rid of them.

Which is essentially what the Non-Proliferation Treaty is all all about when it comes to the nuclear weapons issue.

 

[Tsukasa Buddha]

Liechtenstein, Sealand, and Nauru.

 

[shadron]

Although many of them have signed treaties that they wouldn't, simply having nuclear weapons for defensive purpose is still defended by some, and this would mean that the treaties are counter productive for these nations.

Defensive nuclear weapons? In what case, other then MAD, can you consider nukes to be defensive weapons?

I think this is pertinent question in any discussion where people insist on defending active nuclear arms program.

What is the connection here between an active weapons program in the US and development of nukes in other countries? Do we do this because we are power hungry or expansionist in our aims, and we want to keep the strong strong and the weak where they are? I carry no particular torch for nuclear weapons, but why can't we settle that problem between the haves without creating more of them? Just because it is "fair"?

 

[AvalonXQ]

The Vatican.

 

[catsmate]

Switzerland and Sweden. Both had active weapons programmes.

 

[Kid Eager]

The Vatican.

oh, you want your Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch back!

 

[AvalonXQ]

oh, you want your Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch back!

Not until they learn how to count to three properly.

 

[theprestige]

Japan and Australia should probably have their own independent deterrents.

It's really a question of how seriously you take the threat of nuclear extortion by Russia and China, and whether you believe the US arsenal is a credible long-term counterbalance to that.

If you're Japan or Australia, the ability to nuke a task force before it makes landfall might not seem like such an insignificant thing, twenty or thirty years from now.











--
Okay, not really. But that's about as close as I can come to a justification.

 

[AvalonXQ]

Nukes are way too unpopular in Japan for that to be a viable option politically.

 

[theprestige]

Nukes are way too unpopular in Japan for that to be a viable option politically.

It's probably not a viable option strategically, anyway.

 

[arthwollipot]

Either none of them or ALL of them.

 

[ravdin]

North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Cuba.

 

[catsmate]

Japan and Australia should probably have their own independent deterrents.

It's really a question of how seriously you take the threat of nuclear extortion by Russia and China, and whether you believe the US arsenal is a credible long-term counterbalance to that.

If you're Japan or Australia, the ability to nuke a task force before it makes landfall might not seem like such an insignificant thing, twenty or thirty years from now.

Well Japan could assembled a nuclear capability in less than a year if they needed/wanted to.

 

[GodMark2]

Alabama.

Hat tip to Tom Leher

 

[Resume]

It you outlaw nukes, only nukes will have outlaws.

Wait . . .

 

[Border Reiver]

Would the NPT prevent Canada from reaquiring them?

We only gave ours up in '74 or so.

 

[paiute]

Luxembourg.
Monaco.
Alabama.