The 2008 U.S.-India nuclear deal has been widely discussed in nonproliferation circles in recent years. However, the proponents as well as the opponents in this debate have – with a few notable exceptions – failed to address or at least take into account three very important issues:
First, the fact that the India of today is not the India of 1974 but rather an emerging world power. Second, the possible alternatives to the deal beside a mere continuation of the status quo (India’s nuclear isolation). And third, the fact that the alternatives providing more benefits for arms-control were unlikely, given the domestic political discussion in India. In Working Paper Hushed Hope - India, the Nuclear Deal, and NonproliferationCarsten Rauch addresses all three points. Furthermore, he presents benefits that will take effect only in the long run (rather than gains that take effect in the short run, envisioned by most proponents of the deal) that the deal offers for the stability of the global nonproliferation regime.