[MosesKnows]

Why Does America Have Nuclear Weapons?

Because she can.

[D Rider]

Because atomics are just not enough.

[TomGuy]

Primarily, a deterrent.

Secondarily, retaliation.

==

A half-century ago, Russia and the US basically agreed to stand and watch, as they have mutually shared destruction capabilities.

Radicals, jihadis, etc., are a different story. If, for example, a group set off a ‘dirty’ bomb or actual nuke inside the US, the Prez would be obligated to retaliate.

==

Something like 10 nations have nuclear capabilities. Some other groups are trying to acquire them. The more nations and groups who have them, the more likely they will be used.

Recall that early in the GWBush administration, India and Pakistan were at the brink of a nuclear war.