Part 14/17:
Trust vs. Treaties: The Foundation of Global Security
Shea makes a compelling argument that trust, rather than treaties alone, underpins security. While formal agreements are essential, the stability of international relations relies on mutual confidence—confidence that commitments will be honored, and adversaries will not exploit uncertainties.
He illustrates this with the NATO alliance: countries rely on shared trust that the US will uphold its security guarantees. When trust erodes—such as when alliances are questioned or policies shift—uncertainties rise, increasing proliferation incentives. Shea warns that, absent trust, even treaties become ineffective, and nations may choose to secure themselves independently.