Are nuclear weapons ineffective in deterring non-nuclear weapon states? The paradox of Russia’s war on Ukraine
By Polina Sinovets and Aderito Vicente
Since February 24, Russia’s war on Ukraine has become a laboratory of major theories and regimes. Most of them were inherited from the Cold War period. At the forefront of this day-to-day testing lab, nuclear deterrence is being assessed for its capabilities and limits. This critical juncture is already paving a new role in today’s international security architecture.
This paper will focus on the limitations of nuclear deterrence and the ineffectiveness of nuclear weapons’ in deterring non-nuclear weapon states brightly demonstrated during this war.