Carlson leaned forward slightly, the light from the desk lamp casting shadows on his face.
"Mr. Heller, let's be realistic. International security? Can the United Nations Security Council still meet now? The nuclear non-proliferation system? Of those recognized nuclear states, who has the leisure to mind others' backyards now? As for changing the balance of power..."
He paused, his smile faded a little, appearing more pragmatic, "The balance has long been broken, North America is the best example. My client believes that during the critical window period when the old order is disintegrating and the new order is yet to form, it is the natural right of sovereign nations to acquire some capability for self-preservation and ensure the right to speak. And the United States, or rather, certain channels you represent that can still access these 'legacies,' can obtain significant returns by providing some 'consulting services' or 'historical data sharing'."
