Thinking about the Unthinkable in a Highly Proliferated World

Photo: Ultra.F/Getty Images

Photo: Ultra.F/Getty Images

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For decades, the United States has led the effort to stem the spread of nuclear weapons, both among potential adversaries and among its allies and partners. The current state of deterrence and of the nonproliferation regime, however, is open to many doubts. What happens if the nonproliferation regime should break down altogether? What happens if extended deterrence should fail, and allies no longer believe in the credibility of the U.S. nuclear umbrella? What happens when the world has not 9 but 11, 15, 18, or even more nuclear powers? This study explores how such a world might function and what it would mean for our present conceptions of deterrence, for the place of the United States in the international order, and for international order itself.

Photo credit: Ultra.F/Getty Images

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Defense and Security, and Nuclear Issues
Clark A. Murdock

Clark A. Murdock

Former Senior Adviser (Non-resident), International Security Program
Tom Karako

Tom Karako

Director, Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department

Ian Williams

Associate Fellow, International Security Program

Michael Dyer

Research Intern, International Security Program

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