This book investigates the fundamental purpose of nuclear weapons and the diverse political motivations that drive states to acquire, maintain, or abstain from nuclear capabilities. Regina Cowen Karp, a recognized expert in international security and arms control, synthesizes historical data and political theory to evaluate how nuclear status influences national security strategies. The analysis provides a structured framework for understanding the decision-making processes of nuclear-armed, non-nuclear, and threshold states within the global security architecture.

Experts and scholars in the field of international relations frequently cite this monograph as a foundational text for understanding the geopolitical complexities of nuclear proliferation. Readers often note the academic rigor and the clarity with which the author navigates the competing security interests of different state categories.