Nuclear Weapons in the Post-Material Age: A Study on Resistance Against Nuclear Proliferation Using Data from Sweden

This study examines possible drivers of public opinion towards nuclear proliferation, which is an often-overlooked aspect in the security literature. It leverages a 2022 survey from Sweden to explore the impact of postmaterialist values on attitudes toward nuclear proliferation. The quantitative analysis (OLS) reveals a significant negative association between postmaterial values and support for nuclear proliferation, challenging the belief that traditional political orientation such as the left-right spectrum primarily dictates such attitudes. Our findings suggest instead that postmaterial values and cultural identities can be more influential in shaping public opinion on nuclear proliferation than traditional political alignment. This research contributes to the broader discourse on nuclear policy by highlighting the importance of public sentiment in shaping legitimacy for future strategies. It calls for a re-evaluation of policy approaches, emphasizing the role of public values in international security debates amidst rising global tensions. It is essential to carefully consider the factors shaping public attitudes on these issues, as the legitimacy of future nuclear proliferation and strategies will ultimately depend on securing public approval.