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That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the Second World War, the very fact that there were nuclear armaments in existence has kept major powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable. The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.
Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?
  • a)
    Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a country's economy.
  • b)
    From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.
  • c)
    Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.
  • d)
    The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.
  • e)
    It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestio...
Flaw in the Argument:

Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a country's economy.

Explanation:

- The argument states that nuclear deterrence has been successful in preventing a third world war between superpowers.
- The flaw in the argument lies in the assumption that it was specifically nuclear deterrence that prevented a major conflict, without considering other factors.
- The statement suggests that the economic burden of maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments could be a deterrent in itself, as it diverts resources away from other essential areas.
- Therefore, it is possible that the economic implications of engaging in a nuclear conflict played a role in preventing such a war, rather than solely relying on the concept of nuclear deterrence.
- This indicates that the argument may oversimplify the reasons for the absence of a third world war between superpowers and fail to consider alternative explanations for this outcome.

In conclusion, the flaw in the argument is that it assumes nuclear deterrence was the sole factor in preventing a major conflict, without acknowledging other potential reasons, such as the economic consequences of engaging in a nuclear war.
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That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestio...
Let's go through each answer choice and analyze how it indicates a potential flaw in the argument:
(A) Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a country's economy.
This answer choice doesn't necessarily indicate a flaw in the argument. While it suggests that maintaining nuclear armaments has an economic cost, it doesn't directly challenge the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence.
(B) From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.
This answer choice points out the limitations of relying solely on past events to predict the future. It suggests that even though a third world war hasn't occurred yet, it doesn't guarantee that it won't happen in the future due to unforeseen accidents or events. This undermines the argument's assertion that nuclear deterrence has worked without question.
(C) Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.
This answer choice suggests that producing excessive nuclear weapons beyond what is necessary for deterrence could lead to a higher probability of a nuclear accident. If nuclear accidents were to occur, it would challenge the argument's assumption that the existence of nuclear weapons alone has been sufficient to prevent the use of nuclear weapons by major powers.
(D) The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.
This answer choice presents evidence that major powers have participated in smaller-scale military operations without resorting to nuclear confrontation. This challenges the argument's assertion that the existence of nuclear weapons is the sole reason for major powers refraining from nuclear conflict.
(E) It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.
This answer choice raises the possibility that factors other than nuclear deterrence, such as economic considerations, may have played a role in preventing a third world war between superpowers. It suggests that the argument's assumption attributing the absence of a third world war solely to nuclear deterrence is flawed.
Given the above analysis, the answer that indicates a flaw in the argument is (E). It suggests that the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence cannot be conclusively determined, as other factors may have influenced the avoidance of a third world war.
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That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the Second World War, the very fact that there were nuclear armaments in existence has kept major powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable. The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the Second World War, the very fact that there were nuclear armaments in existence has kept major powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable. The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the Second World War, the very fact that there were nuclear armaments in existence has kept major powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable. The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for That the policy of nuclear deterrence has worked thus far is unquestionable. Since the end of the Second World War, the very fact that there were nuclear armaments in existence has kept major powers from using nuclear weapons, for fear of starting a worldwide nuclear exchange that would make the land of the power initiating it uninhabitable. The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
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The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. 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The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. 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The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. 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The proof is that a third world war between superpowers has not happened.Which one of the following, if true, indicates a flaw in the argument?a)Maintaining a high level of nuclear armaments represents a significant drain on a countrys economy.b)From what has happened in the past, it is impossible to infer with certainty what will happen in the future, so an accident could still trigger a third world war between superpowers.c)Continuing to produce nuclear weapons beyond the minimum needed for deterrence increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.d)The major powers have engaged in many smaller-scale military operations since the end of the Second World War, while refraining from a nuclear confrontation.e)It cannot be known whether it was nuclear deterrence that worked, or some other factor, such as a recognition of the economic value of remaining at peace.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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