My tentative conclusion is that we have a new definition of "sovereign". Sovereign nations have nukes. Those who do not have nukes are not sovereign and may be judged by the UN Security Council, and possibly by American Intellectuals, and deposed by Great Powers acting in concert, or even by UN "Peace Keeping" forces depending on the military strength of the non-sovereign. Non-sovereign states may be overthrown.
Sovereign nations have nukes. Sovereign nations can exterminate dissenters in any manner they choose. They may indulge in ethnic cleansing at whim. All those who do not have nukes exist at the sufferance of the Great Powers. If you have nukes -- China, North Korea, Israel -- and a loyal army, you are pretty well safe from rebellion. If you have a loyal army but no nukes that is no longer true. Iran, Burma, Syria, Hamas in Gaza, and various other such states will take note: indeed already have. |