The Nth Country Problem

Abstract In our July issue, the weapons and delivery systems of nuclear war were considered as they exist and are developing today. But in thinking about arms policy—whether from the point of view of defense, control or disarmament—not only development in weapons technology, but the development of nations and their capabilities must be understood. What are the possibilities for the rise of additional nuclear powers? Can the spread of nuclear weapons be halted? These questions are considered in the following article, which presents in briefer form, material developed in the author's “The Nth Country Problem Today” in Disarmament: Its Politics and Economics, to be published shortly by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and made available to subscribers to its journal, Daedalus. The Academy article contains detailed references and more complete technical discussion.