Q&A · 2:12:17-2:12:22
Why apartheid South Africa pursued nuclear weapons
South Africa's apartheid government feared that outside powers might invade to end the regime and sought a deterrent against that possibility.
QuestionWhy did apartheid South Africa believe it needed nuclear weapons?
Short answerIts leaders feared that foreign powers might invade to end apartheid and wanted a deterrent against intervention.
NotesThe motive given is fear of outside military intervention intended to end apartheid. Nuclear weapons were viewed as a deterrent against that threat.