Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and Turkey's security concerns
Author
Çağlar, Barış
Advisor
Kibaroğlu, Mustafa
Date
2001Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Show full item recordAbstract
Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has always constituted a threat to
international peace. International public concern about proliferation of unconventional
weapons has rapidly increased since the end of the Cold War. This thesis analyzes the
weapons of mass destruction threat against Turkey and its dimensions. It starts with the
definition of the concept of threat and the characteristics of weapons of mass destruction.
In assessing the threat, deterrence theory is applied. As the theory entails, capabilities and
the intentions of possible adversaries are studied. Chemical, biological, radiological,
nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and
Israel are examined in detail to figure out whether Turkey confronts weapons of mass
destruction threat exposure from its neighbors. Alongside the present procurement efforts
of the states as the focal point of the study, past attempts to proliferate and the illegal
transfers of weapons technology, equipment and leakage of fissile material are presented