Nuclearism

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Nuclearism is a political philosophy, which advocates that nuclear weapons and nuclear power are key to the maintenance of national security and international stability. It argues that nuclear weapons, through deterrence and mutually assured destruction, create peace in the international community, and that nuclear power provides energy security. Also, proponents of nuclearism argue that, despite the expansion of the nuclear power industry, the diversion of nuclear materials from the nuclear fuel cycle for military uses can be prevented.

As nuclearism is typically looked at from a critical viewpoint, proponents of the theory usually do not defend it as such, but rather as an inevitable expression of realism given the technological development of nuclear weapons. Criticism of nuclearism is divided, as opponents disagree on the appropriate methodology to combat it. Criticism of nuclearism has been a contentious issue among political activists because of divisions as to the appropriate methodology to combat it. Some critics, like William Chaloupka, advocate a "nuclear criticism" movement based on deconstructionist principles expounded by Jacques Derrida. Others, such as James Der Derian, advocate direct political action in favor of the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.