The Political Psychology of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime

The purpose of this article is to develop a theory, rooted in social psychology, that explains the nuclear nonproliferation regime. I posit that the regime evolved to serve the interests of a group of established liberal democracies that self-consciously identify their security interests collectively on the basis of shared core values and a history of cooperation. The United States acts as principal guardian of the regime. This role stems from its role as the principal defender of liberal democracy during the Cold War. The self-identification of the liberal group of states biases their perception of and reaction to threats to the regime in their own favor. I support this claim by comparing responses to violations and perceived violations of the regime by members and nonmembers of the group. Findings indicate a strong bias in favor of the liberal group.