Rogue state

A rogue state (also known as states of concern) is a controversial political term denoting a government which does not abide by international norms of behavior and whose leadership is irrational so that conventional methods of deterence are ineffective. The existence of rogue states has been used to justify recent interest in [anti-ballistic missiles]? on the basis that a rogue state may acquire [weapons of mass destruction]? and not be deterred by threats of retalliation. North Korea and Iraq have been candidates for the name rogue state.

Opponents to the concept of rogue states point out that leaders of even brutal and oppressive regimes act according to the logic of self-interest.