How do nations typically signal their nuclear capabilities?

Nations typically signal their nuclear capabilities primarily through military parades and tests. Military parades often display the equipment and technology a nation possesses, serving not only as a demonstration of national pride but also as a signal to other nations of its military strength, including nuclear arsenals. These events can showcase the missiles, delivery systems, and overall military capability, indicating to both domestic and international audiences the nation’s readiness and potential to deploy nuclear weapons.

Nuclear tests further solidify a country’s status by providing concrete evidence of its capabilities. Conducting a nuclear test is a definitive action that communicates not only to allies but also to adversaries that a nation possesses functional nuclear weapons. The act of testing demonstrates a government's commitment to its defense strategy and asserts its position on the global stage.

Diplomatic engagement, economic sanctions, and humanitarian efforts, while important, do not convey a nation's military capabilities in the same direct way that military displays and nuclear tests can. These methods are more related to political strategy, influence, and soft power rather than a clear communication of military strength.