I really wish I could disagree... but I can't. It does appear that the country with the biggest bombs is the uber power among super powers.

I understand prosperity not power right? If so then I must say that the most prosperous countries are those that are neutral countries, their banking systems are simply fantastic. Their prosperity depends basically in their ability to keep other countries funds safe and sound in case of war.

Not necessarily. If you look at post-war Japan, it has become one of the most efficient and wealthy countries in the world - a leader of technology, big business, all the while maintaining a relatively low poverty rate. This was all, arguably, helped by the fact that they couldn't create an aggressive military, so they had money free for many other things.

Yes, in the respect that the most destructive weapons can make strong militaries. But weapons alone are only part of the equation. Strategy, discipline and the perception of just cause (e.g. divine right, manifest destiny, lebensraum, or what passes as patriotism in America today) are all equally important. The great empires of history, Greece, Rome, Spain, Britain, and now the US have all been supported by strong and expensive militaries, effective strategy, and a perception of just cause. Empire cannot exist and expand without protection, muscle, and the self-righteousness of it's citizens. The nature of empire is to take resources from weaker nations and live beyond it's means. However, it is the expense of maintaining the empire, due to over expansion and the mounting resistance of uncooperative nations that eventually bring them down. Empires die in various ways. Most often they implode under the economic burden of maintenance and protection and then become victims of their enemies. Sometimes, if the empire becomes outrageously aggressive and ignores diplomacy completely, the world won't wait for economic collapse and will unite against them. Probably the best example of this in living memory was the spectacular 12 year flameout of the Nazi German empire. They went from deep economic depression to world contender to ashes in the short span between 1933 and 1945. So, history teaches that the most destructive weapons eventually lead to the destruction of the those that wield them. Live by the sword and they shall die by the sword. Or fall on it. Cooperation and fair business practices are a much smarter way to go.

Not nessesarally prosperity but to keep the peace you must remain too dangerous to confront,(peace through strength).

Ask a Tibetan.... : (