As Morgenthau points out, small- and medium-sized states like Israel, Great Britain, France, and Iran cannot absorb the same level of punishment as continental-sized states such as the United States, Russia, and China, so that they lack the requisite credibility in their nuclear threats.
In "The Revenge Of Geography," Robert D. Kaplan discusses the varying capacities of states to endure punitive measures in the context of their size and global influence. He highlights that smaller and medium-sized nations, including Israel and France, are more vulnerable to repercussions compared to larger powers like the United States and Russia. This disparity affects their credibility when issuing nuclear threats, as they lack the same strategic leverage.
Kaplan's analysis underscores the significance of geographical size in shaping national behavior and international relations. Smaller states, due to their limited power and influence, may find it challenging to project the same level of deterrence through nuclear capabilities as their larger counterparts, impacting global security dynamics and the nature of diplomatic engagement.
