An Influence Analysis of Dissuading Nation States from Producing and Proliferating Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

This thesis analyzes the influence of deterrence and dissuasion measures against nation-states in an effort to further prevent the production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction WMD among emerging nation-states. The case study within provides a historical background for the evolution of WMD programs, emphasis on nuclear programs, in India and Iraq. The study then examines the influences that prompted the nation-state leaders to convert their commercial nuclear programs to into militarized nuclear weapons programs with the intended goal of producing nuclear weapons. The study addresses dissuasion and deterrence measure used against these nation-states at the nation strategic level. Social influence techniques are then analyzed for their adaptation from the tactical person-to-person level to the strategic nation-on-nation level. The final analysis provides indications of which social influence techniques are apparently the most successful and unsuccessful in dissuading and deterring emerging nation-states in their potential quest to obtain WMD. Indications suggest that social influence tactics, such as fear appeals, coalition formulation, repetition of a message, be a credible source, guilt sells, public audience, and norm of reciprocity will only be successful in deterring and dissuading emerging nation-states in their quest to produce and proliferate WMD, if the appropriate nation deterrencedissuasion strategy is selected.