Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The ability of a state to quickly develop nuclear weapons from civilian nuclear technology if it decides to do so.

A 13-day 1962 confrontation between the U.S. and USSR over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba, bringing the world close to nuclear war.

The competition between the U.S. and USSR to develop and accumulate more powerful nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

Strategy of preventing aggression by threatening unacceptable nuclear retaliation.

The condition of possessing the technological and material capability to develop nuclear weapons without having actually done so.

A government assessment outlining nuclear strategy, policies, and capabilities to guide defense planning.

The nuclear triad consists of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers to ensure a credible nuclear deterrent.

The 1972 Strategic Arms Limitation Talks agreement between the US and USSR that limited the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched missiles to reduce nuclear tensions.

WMD proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons to states or non-state actors.