The Correlates of Nuclear Crisis Outcomes
Does the nuclear balance of power matter for nuclear coercion? To answer this question, this chapter conducts a large-N statistical analysis, examining empirical evidence from high-stakes crises between nuclear-armed states. Drawing on a quantitative analysis of a data set of fifty-two nuclear crisis dyads that includes information on nuclear arsenal size and delivery vehicles, the chapter examines the impact of nuclear superiority on nuclear crisis outcomes. It finds a powerful relationship between nuclear superiority and victory in nuclear crises. Specifically, nuclear superior states are over ten times more likely than nuclear inferior states to achieve their basic goals in international crises. In sum, this chapter provides strong empirical support for the central argument of this book. Nuclear superiority matters not just for nuclear war outcomes but also in international crises between nuclear-armed adversaries.