Michael Cohen, Senior Lecturer, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

Abstract

almost a decade, this stability and consistency in Indian nuclear policy calls into question arguments about how nationalist populism could impact nuclear policy. The consequences of nuclear-policy changes are grave, and we must be careful in assessing possible dangers. This might suggest that even minor indications of future changes be treated seriously, and the authors are correct to flag potential dangers from nationalist-populist leaders. Nevertheless, there is also a risk in exaggerating the danger. Most importantly, we must not ignore more important sources of nuclear danger and proliferation. In the contemporary world, this danger is rooted in aggressive authoritarian states that are increasing the insecurity of their smaller, weaker neighbors, thus leading to greater consideration of nuclear weapons for self-defense in East Asia and the Middle East. Focusing on the wrong danger may prove to be more problematic for nuclear stability.