Russia's current nuclear arsenal is much greater than that of the Soviet Union in the 1950, yet the United States and Russia work together on the assumption that nuclear weapons must never be used. How would constructivists explain this?
A) Russia has a week power position.
B) More trust developed over time between the two states.
C) The United States is in a declining hegemonic position in international relations.
D) Russia has a need for U.S. aid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Constructivists would argue that both the United States and Russia have developed shared norms and ideas over time that nuclear weapons must never be used, despite their vast nuclear arsenals. This shared understanding has developed through interactions and dialogues between the two states, which has built up a level of trust and cooperation that prioritizes peaceful conflict resolution over the use of nuclear weapons.

Russia's Current Nuclear Arsenal Is Much Greater Than That of the Soviet