Conclusion

Abstract

AbstractChapter 7 summarizes the book’s results and considers its implications for scholars and policy practitioners. The chapter identifies a generalizable mechanism—the threat-assurance trade-off—that can explain why more power often makes compellence less likely to work in other situations beyond the nuclear realm. In addition, the chapter focuses on the surprising result that the fissile material sweet spot remained remarkably stable over the last seven decades. However, emerging technologies have not fundamentally reshaped the bargaining tactics states employ to send signals and make commitments with their nuclear programs. This augurs well for the future of nonproliferation policy. But the United States must be ready to “buy out” the fissile material aspirations of nuclear aspirants, especially allies and partners who are increasingly interested in hedging with nuclear latency.