If Two States Possess Nuclear Weapons,but Neither Side Possesses Second-Strike

question 45

Multiple Choice

If two states possess nuclear weapons,but neither side possesses second-strike capability,what effect does this have on relations between the two countries?

• A)The countries should be more capable of resolving their differences since they will now have the interests of nuclear powers,distinct from those countries that rely on conventional weapons.
• B)The states are more likely to be bitter rivals,since multiple states that have nuclear weapons are typically not stable.
• C)The lack of second-strike capability makes first strikes more rewarding and may make nuclear war more likely.
• D)Mutually assured destruction only works when countries lack second-strike capability;the presence of second-strike forces means destruction was not assured.
• E)It will likely not have an effect,as conventional forces can readily serve as second-strike forces to any nuclear attack.

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