That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked
thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the
Second World War, the very fact that there were
nuclear armaments in existence has kept major
powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of
starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would
make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable.
The proof is that a third world war between
superpowers has not happened.
Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw
in the argument?
(A) Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments
represents a significant drain on a
country's economy.
(B) From what has happened in the past, it is
impossible to infer with certainty what will
happen in the future, so an accident could still
trigger a third world war between
superpowers.
(C) Continuing to produce nuclear weapons
beyond the minimum needed for deterrence
increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.
(D) The major powers have engaged in many
smaller-scale military operations since the
end of the Second World War, while refraining
from a nuclear confrontation.
(E) It cannot be known whether it was nuclear
deterrence that worked, or some other factor,
such as a recognition of the economic value
of remaining at peace.
thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the
Second World War, the very fact that there were
nuclear armaments in existence has kept major
powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of
starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would
make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable.
The proof is that a third world war between
superpowers has not happened.
Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw
in the argument?
(A) Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments
represents a significant drain on a
country's economy.
(B) From what has happened in the past, it is
impossible to infer with certainty what will
happen in the future, so an accident could still
trigger a third world war between
superpowers.
(C) Continuing to produce nuclear weapons
beyond the minimum needed for deterrence
increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.
(D) The major powers have engaged in many
smaller-scale military operations since the
end of the Second World War, while refraining
from a nuclear confrontation.
(E) It cannot be known whether it was nuclear
deterrence that worked, or some other factor,
such as a recognition of the economic value
of remaining at peace.
