The Nuclear Age by Serhii Plokhy

6 out of 10

The United States was the first to develop atomic weapons--followed by Russia (nee the Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, France, China, (almost surely Israel), India, Pakistan, and North Korea.  The fear that nukes will be used toward irreversable distruction remains widespread.  Though, it is still the case that several countries want to join the nuclear club in order to deter invasion and maintain sovereignty.