The nuclear taboo explores the enduring norm against the use of nuclear weapons. This book investigates the origins and persistence of the international norm that prohibits the use of nuclear weapons, even by states that possess them. It examines the historical development of this taboo, the actors involved in its creation and maintenance, and the conditions under which it might erode. The analysis draws on historical evidence and theoretical frameworks to understand why states have refrained from nuclear use since 1945.

Nina Tannenwald's "The Nuclear Taboo" is widely recognized as a seminal work in the study of international security and nuclear proliferation. Scholars frequently cite the book for its rigorous historical analysis and its compelling argument for the existence and strength of a nuclear taboo. The work is credited with shifting the academic conversation from purely rational deterrence models to incorporating the crucial role of norms and international socialization in explaining state behavior regarding nuclear weapons. Its findings continue to inform contemporary debates on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.