Does state acquisition of nuclear weapons lead to stability and peace or instability and crises? This is one of the great debates in international relations scholarship. In this talk based on his new book, Dr. Cohen will argue that nuclear weapons acquisition often does dangerously embolden the acquiring state to undertake coercion and aggression, but that this behavior moderates over time as leaders learn the dangers and limitations of nuclear coercion. The presentation will examine the historical cases of the Soviet Union and Pakistan in depth, and looks at mini-cases involving the United States, China, and India. The lecture will also examine the implications this has for North Korea and Iran.