Negotiating Nuclear Disarmament: Economics Over Politics

In the context of nuclear disarmament negotiations, the discussion highlights the importance of addressing economic realities rather than solely relying on political motivations. The collapse of the Soviet economy posed a significant obstacle, as Russian officials expressed their inability to dismantle nuclear warheads due to financial constraints. Meanwhile, the United States feared that a lack of funding might lead to rogue nuclear workers jeopardizing global security. A pivotal insight emerges from Thomas Neve, who proposed a solution rooted in economic interdependence: the United States could provide trade credits for essential goods, easing Russia's financial burden. In return, Russia would dilute weapons-grade uranium to meet commercial standards needed for power generation. This approach, focusing on mutual economic benefits, demonstrated a pragmatic pathway to achieving nuclear disarmament while addressing the genuine needs of both nations.