negative security assurance

[ neg-uh-tiv si-kyoor-i-tee uh-shoor-uhns, uh-shur-uhns ]

noun

1. assurance given by a nuclear weapon state that it will not present the threat of nuclear attack on a non-nuclear weapon state: : NSA Compare positive security assurance ( def ).

   Owing to the recent aggression of this nuclear-armed nation, the credibility of its negative security assurance has come into serious question.

Word History and Origins

Origin of negative security assurance¹

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh said those demands were for a precise deadline for nuclear powers to disarm, a call for negotiations on a treaty banning the use of atomic arms, and a pledge from the five nuclear powers not to use atomic bombs on states without them, known as a "negative security assurance."

From Reuters

He said those demands were for a precise deadline for nuclear powers to disarm, a call for negotiations on a "nuclear weapons convention" banning the use of atomic arms, and a pledge from the nuclear powers not to use atomic bombs on states without them, known as a "negative security assurance."

From Reuters