3I!9' Another dimension of security is the softenhat theoretical- riistinction betueenreality and perception. Hence" in the r.ilitary fietd, capability is distinguishedfron tbe intentions for use. The rray in lrhich a state assesses its nationalsecurity wi11, by clefinition. depend. on its nerception of the actuar- or potentialthr€ats to r'rhich its security and other needs are subJected and on its cipacitlr toneet such threats. Perception nay be critical, especially rhen it leads a stateto conclude that its securi.ty is threatened. Even when such a belief is rnistahen,it nay have a self -fulfiI1i.ng character - and so stinul-ate an arns race or;";;.;'conflict betveen states. The nati.onal security of a state nay be threat"r,.d ,.rltonly by military force but al-so by political and econornic measures. vul-nerabilityt'hich d.erives fYom a depend.ence on other countries may. ho\"rever. be turned into astate of nutua] interclependence , rn this case, hostile action by one countrycoul"d. hurt all and. thus be counterprod.uctive . 350. 0n1y a handfuJ- of States so far possess nuclear r.reapons. l+9/ The reasons foracquirir.rg them are nany; enhancement of national securiiy_ thE-enhancenent ofnational status and prestige, the protection of national inalependence and freedomof action, the promotion of scientific and teehnol_ogical deveiopnent, pressuresfron special" interest groups lrithin Governnents and the desire to have a'paral ount instlument of policy. It is therefore liirely that these s€lre notives. orsonre of them" could be invol<ed also by other gtates going nuclear. 351. it shou-ld be kept in rnind that the large naJo!.ity of states are in no positionto d-evel"op nuclear r/eapons. A gleat numb€r of States have renounced theaccluisition of nuclear \\'eapons, C,irectly or indirectly, including through,adherence to the Treaty on the lion -protiferation of l{uclear lleapons, the Treatyfor the Prohibition of ifucreax r,Ieapons in Latin America (Treaty of rlatelolco) andother internationar agreements. At the same time, there are some states, belongingA/351392 English Armex
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the concept of national security and the role of nuclear weapons in international relations. The author highlights the distinction between reality and perception, as well as the various factors that influence a state's perception of its security, including military force, political and economic measures, and the acquisition of nuclear weapons. The text also mentions the importance of international agreements and the renunciation of nuclear weapons by some states.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology