Aqeel Ahmad

  Why does Pakistan need to focus on it security and deterrence? States live in an anarchical world where no higher authority exists. All states have to prosper through self-help to make sure they survive. Nuclear weapons, with potential lethality, can be used for balancing the potential destruction against rival states. Considering the security model, one can argue that Pakistan started its nuclear program for its security purposes. Nuclear weapons are the weapons of deterrence by creating fear in the mind of the adversary potentially preventing full-scale wars. Countries that build nuclear weapons, build these, to ensure their relative security and survival. Only nine countries have developed nuclear weapons (since South Africa dismantled its nuclear program). Kenneth Waltz, in his book  Theory of International Politics , argues that nuclear power states are concerned with maintaining their position within the international system. States work harder to increase their streng...