How Does Fear Motivate States to Go Nuclear? The Case of Pakistan

This article examines how fear motivates the states to pursue nuclear weapons, contributing to the growing literature on emotions in International Relations and strategic studies. It reviews the concept of fear in IR theory and links it to established models of nuclear motivation. Using discourse analysis, the article investigates Pakistan’s nuclear programme, arguing that fear played a critical role in accelerating its pursuit of nuclear capability. The findings suggest that fear operates dynamically, varies over time and shapes the urgency and pace of nuclear development. Finally, the article proposes a framework for analysing fear as a driver of nuclear proliferation.