Nuclear Weapons

As discussed in the readings, nuclear weapons were born and created to fight against
Germany and Japan. It was to make sure that the Soviet Union did not succeed in its invasion of
Europe. But as that threat disappeared, the need for nuclear weapons has turned vague. It has
been common knowledge that the United States reason for keeping its nuclear weapons is to
prevent its use by others. But as times have changed, and the demands for nuclear energy have
increased, terrorists and states thinking to develop their own nuclear weapons can easily get
their hands on fissile materials and produce their own nuclear weapons.
With this knowledge, the call for a world free of nuclear weapons has increased. As
mentioned in the readings especially in The Logic of Zero, achieving this goal would involve
certain steps. The first step mentioned is for the United States to change its nuclear policies.
Although the threat from the Soviet Union has passed, US has maintained it nuclear weapons as
a means to deter or respond just in case the attacks are made. The previous administrations
policies did not help hence it has only enforced the need to have nuclear weapons at hand. If
the US administration calls for the elimination of these nuclear weapons then how do they
expect other nations and states to follow if they still see these weapons of mass destruction as
a vital part of their national security?
The second step mentioned was to lessen the stored nuclear weapons to a thousand.
Most of the nuclear weapons in the world can be traced to both the US and Russia. As
mentioned earlier, the US keeps nuclear weapons as a safeguard if by chance Russia attacks.
But it is known that even without its nuclear weapons, US military can easily deter or stop
Russias attack just by using conventional weapons. Decreasing their nuclear weapons to a
thousand is sufficient enough for the US to send the message that they still have the ability to
retaliate in case of a nuclear attack. Hence, keeping in storage thousands of nuclear weapons
does not make sense anymore. This would only encourage other nuclear states not to get rid of
their own nuclear weapons.
The third step cited is the formulation of an organization that would take into account
and monitor the fissile materials present in every country. Such an organization would be
expensive and complaints from both nuclear states and industries using fissile materials will
arise. But in monitoring the said materials existence can ensure that no new weapons are being
created from them. The transparency of which such an organization can offer can help assure
the safety and peace of mind of each and every country involved.
The last step is to launch a vigorous effort in convincing other states to get rid of their
nuclear weapons. It is mentioned that the shift in US nuclear policy and to make sure that none
of these weapons land on the hands of terrorists can help convince the other countries. Getting
the support from other countries in the long run would help the US convince Russia in
eventually letting go of their nuclear weapons.
The call for a world free from nuclear weapons has increased and gained support from a
lot of notable personalities especially in the US. Adhering to the steps mentioned in one of the
readings could prove to useful not only for the United States but to the whole world.

Mardy S. Gonzales
MAPOLSC