The Nexus between Conventional Arms and Nuclear Weapons

Abstract

The more prevalent and general perception about the conventional arms and nuclear weapons is that both have rather scarce connection in so far as its production, its use, its possession , acquisition and control are concerned. This is more a misconception rather than a deliberate or material difference between the two types of weapons. In the context of proliferation and instability that arises from nuclear weapons possession by a state its state of conventional weaponry is as much important as its nuclear capabilities are.  Conventional arms superiority is as much a potential driver of nuclear proliferation and geostrategic instability as nuclear weapons are. But the concept of this nexus has been scarcely attended to by experts. There has been little attempt to describe the relationship between conventional arms and nuclear proliferation than nuclear arms and nuclear proliferation. This article is an attempt to bring into light the relationship between conventional arms and nuclear proliferation which if understood in the context of arms control can play a vital role in nuclear non-proliferation and the establishment of an era of nuclear peace.