Part 10/17:
Shea hypothesizes a potential domino effect: if nations lose confidence in US extended deterrence, they might develop or acquire nuclear weapons. For example, if Germany or South Korea decide to nuclearize, their neighbors—namely Poland, Japan, or Saudi Arabia—might follow suit, exponentially expanding the nuclear club.
This chain reaction amplifies proliferation risks, exacerbating regional and global instability. Borders become less militarily predictable, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons could lead to a more dangerous and unpredictable international landscape.