circle of dt"t.", inclutling the present nuclear-weapon States' This raises the possibi]-ity, e.g', that orr" ot to"u of the nuclear"weapon States may target some of their own nuclear wea1:ons on an emerging nuclear-veapon State in order to prevent its engaging in nucLear blacknail or threats against other countries" 382, Because of the nany uncertainties and destabilizing elements present in the fr-rif.rat,ion scenario it is not surprising that the international comrunity pays ilose attention to the problem' A State going nuclear could therefore expose itself to a wid.e range of politieal condemnation, including sanctions' This rnay bear direct].y on nationaf 'security in the rni]-itary sense or on various areas of ilternational relations, such as irade, economics and technical co-operation' It shows that conmitments not to acquire nuclear weapons hare become intenroven into the fu11 complex of relations among States' 383. It used to be that the holding of a nuclear-treapon test was the demonstration of a State becoml-ng , ,ro"i"u.t-*"rpJn power. Ttrere ii today, however " the energing ;.;#;;; .i-trr. Ir"a."1ared,' nu-cf ear-weapon state. There have been persistent reports that a few States may alrea'Iy have carried out a considerable amount of work towards d.eveloping a nuclear-weapon capacrty' - A State.in-this category could thus be suspected of having a- nuclcar capability vithout actuar-Ly havlng demonstrated it, and consequently be regarded as posing a th"eat of nuclear attack' If so, rnany of the advers" -"o"="!""""ts for natioiral ::"Ttt" w:r111^::-. present in the sense that has been discussed above ' In tlris field' the"e are pefsastent rumors tltat lsrael and so,.tr, ar"i". bave acquired" or are on the way to acquiTing a nuclear rteapon. Two United Nations studies are presently under lray on this subJect' Tbere i:s no doubt that these tvo cases t"" t totti"" of concern llithin the internati.onal conmunitJ' Nuclear weaPons and re
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the implications of a state acquiring nuclear weapons, the potential consequences of such an action, and the concerns of the international community regarding this issue. The text also mentions international relations, sanctions, and national security, which suggests that the topic is closely tied to international politics and security.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology