International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies (IJIMS), 2017, Vol 4, No.3,25-36. 25 Available online at http://www.ijims.com ISSN - (Print): 2519 – 7908 ; ISSN - (Electronic): 2348 – 0343 IF:4.335; Index Copernicus (IC) Value: 60.59; UGC Recognized -UGC Journal No.: 47192. 1 st July 21st Century Nuclear Proliferation in Asia and the Politics of World Security: The Complexity of Security Dilemma in East and South Asia Isaac Nunoo School of International and Public Affairs Jilin University, Changchun, China Abstract Nuclear proliferation has been the cynosure of international debate since it was first tested during the early period of the Cold War. Of major concern is how Asia is gradually becoming a nuclear weapon zone. Many of its populous nations such as China, India, Pakistan, Japan, (and North-Korea) have sought to obtain nuclear weapons for security and status. Interestingly, the more these states seek to concretize their security through nuclear proliferation, the more they create security dilemma which in turn further exacerbates its wanton spread. Giving the geopolitical, geo- economic and social interests of great and emerging powers in the region, such security threat has incalculable repercussions – balance of power competition; (new) alliance formation; regime survival. The study investigates the wanton desire for nuclear possession among Asian states in the 21st century as means of balancing against both regional and global threats as well as strengthening regimes in power amidst the rise of terrorism. It argues that a complex security dilemma that involves neo-liberal domestic politics in the nuclear ambition of a state and realist regional and extra-regional powers with varying interests is responsible for the wanton spread of nuclear weapon in East and South Asia. It further raises some queries which have to be investigated and resolved in order to halt the complex security threat in these regions. Key words: Nuclear proliferation, neoliberal, realist, balance of power, complex security dilemma Introduction Since its introduction in 1945 by America at the ebb of WWII, nuclear weapon (NW) has not left the international scene of security debates. In spite of the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which was meant to curtail the eminent danger of the further spread of nuclear weapons, the craving for it by political leaders has increased exponentially especially after the Cold War. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) makes it illegal, the possession or manufacturing of NW by signatory states. As noted by Wilcock (1997), ‘Whatever ulterior motives existed for putting in place a strict non-proliferation regime, the traditional reasons cited have emphasized the perceived unsuitability of many countries to possess weapons of such destruction and the dangers which could result if they were ever to make such an acquisition. The nature of nuclear weapons demands that these dangers are not simply ignored.’ The end of the Cold War which has led to a multi-polar system has also heralded a period of unprecedented desire for nuclear arsenals by many states. Interestingly, the acquisition of NW itself resonates with both security dilemma and a belief of ‘fortified security’. Hence, this presents a vicious cycle where states are often compelled to keep proliferating NW to avoid being