Nuclear states as a factor of destabilization of international security: theoretical discussion and conceptual analysis

Abstract

This article explores the complex and multifaceted impact of nuclear-armed states on contemporary international security. Particular emphasis is placed on the destabilizing role of nuclear weapons, especially in the context of threats posed by nuclear proliferation, arms races, and the potential outbreak of nuclear conflict. Through an analysis of classical international relations theories – realism, liberalism, and constructivism – the study examines how the possession of nuclear arsenals influences the foreign policy behavior of states and the global balance of power. The ambivalent nature of nuclear deterrence is discussed: while it may reduce the likelihood of large-scale wars between major powers, it also contributes to heightened tensions and instability in the international system. The article focuses on the issue of nuclear terrorism, the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, and the growing risks posed by dual-use technologies. It analyzes the role of international agreements such as the NPT, arms reduction treaties, and nuclear disarmament initiatives aimed at mitigating global threats. The importance of international cooperation, technology control, and political accountability is emphasized. The article argues for the formation of a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world, combining political will, scientific innovation, and the strengthening of international legal norms. This study represents a timely contribution to the academic discourse on the prospects for nuclear disarmament in an era of escalating geopolitical tension.