What exactly is nuclear proliferation?

Question

And thoughts about it?

Answer 1

Nuclear Proliferation is the spread of knowledge and ability necessary to build nuclear weapons to nations that previously did not have nuclear capability.

Currently the following nations are nuclear states:  USA, UK, France, Pakistan, India, China, North Korea, Russia, and Israel.

South Africa developed nuclear weapons, then gave them up and signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Syria and Iran are currently believed to be actively seeking to build nuclear weapons.  

My thoughts, the more nuclear weapons spread, the more likely they will get into the hands of a dictator who will use them without regard to the consequences.  Also, the more likely that an established nuclear powers may feel the need to attack an up and coming nuclear power in a pre-emptive strike.