NUCLEAR (IN)SECURITY IN A POST-COLD WAR WORLD: PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF NUCLEAR RISK, IDENTITY, AND POLICY PREFERENCES

Abstract

Despite the relative lack of attention paid to nuclear issues in the post-Cold War era, new security threats, such as China’s rise as a nuclear peer, and an increased potential for proliferation by Iran, have amplified nuclear risks. Furthermore, the US is facing domestic nuclear challenges, such as aging infrastructure and insufficient workforce. New threats and domestic challenges may require the US to re-evaluate its nuclear weapons policies. This dissertation examines the context of the post-Cold War nuclear security environment and its influence on US public perceptions of nuclear war risk, the role of nuclear weapons in USidentity, and the public’s nuclear policy preferences. This dissertation advances the microfoundations of international relations in three ways. First, by examining issues aside from nuclear use, such as identity and policy preferences related to programmatic spending, treaty support, and arsenal size. Second, through demonstrating the applicability of Sagan’s three models of proliferation to other nuclear decisions and the ways the public engages with themodels. Third, by examining the microfoundations of the Sagan and Waltz debate on proliferation and stability.