The United States should use "hard power" in order to stop countries from gaining nuclear weapons.

1. Yes I agree, the government gets its power through the consent of the governed. But the people should not simply give away liberties in order to be protected by the government. Yes the government needs to protect our life, but not by taking away our civil liberties. *cough, cough* Patriot Act. However, this really has nothing to do with our debate. So moving onto the use of "hard power" as you say... 2. I don't believe the country to only use nukes should be telling other countires they can't have them. However, for the sake of the debate i'll go into it a little further. - You have said that the President of Iran has stated that he would use Nuke's to destroy Israel. (I would like to see a source, but again i'll continue as if the statement is true) It is not the U.S. Government's responsibility to protect Israeli citizens. Although I agree that it would completely be horrible if something like this occured. But you did say that "Israel would mainly fight Iran for us." So doesn't it make sence to allow Israel to be independent, maintain national soverignty, and take care of herself? Again this is not what we are debating about, so moving on... 3. I thought I had put this in the first time, I must have mistakenly gone past it. The United States is hated across the globe for it's intervention. It's called blowback. They don't like us because we interfere with their countries. Picture a foriegn enemy with guns and tanks in your home town streets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. I will cede my point on the naturality of wanting Nukes. However, I do not believe that Iran or North Korea's only reason for wanting a nuke is for destruction, but for protection. And you said yourself that protection is one thing when you referred to India. 2. I never said we shouldn't fear small countries. But i'll debate it... David and Goliath - Only matters if you believe in the bible. The American Revolution - The English lost because they were trying to mantain an Empire they couldn't afford, similar to the present United States. Also, because they were too stubborn to engage in guerilla warfare. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MY MAIN POINT! The title of this debate is..."The United States should use "hard power" in order to stop countries from gaining nuclear weapons." Hard power should only be used in the case of soft power failing, we should always try to be diplomatic first. And we should only get involved in using hard power to protect Americans from an imminent attack. Therefore, soft power should be used to prevent countries from obtaining Nuclear Technology. We should lead by example by dismantling our Nuclear Technology! I wonder how you take that statement, because one may feel we need our nukes for protection. Perhaps the same reason why other countries seek nuclear technology... Honestly I would really like some sources as to the President of Iran promising to use Nukes to destroy if he had them. And I would be willing to debate that hard-power is not making threats.