What is the concept of nuclear latency and how does it relate to nuclear proliferation?

What is the concept of nuclear latency and how does it relate to nuclear proliferation?

The concept of nuclear latency refers to a state or country's ability to quickly develop nuclear weapons if it decides to do so. It is often associated with countries that possess advanced nuclear technology or have the capability to produce nuclear weapons but have chosen not to do so. Nuclear latency relates to nuclear proliferation as it highlights the potential for countries to rapidly acquire nuclear weapons, which can increase the risk of proliferation. Countries with nuclear latency can easily transition from being non-nuclear states to nuclear-armed states, thereby contributing to the spread of nuclear weapons.