The Growing Threat of Nuclear Weapons

Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons on Earth, capable of destroying an entire city and endangering the lives of future generations. Although experts predict that the danger of a massive strategic nuclear attack against the United States is less likely today, there are still many risks associated with nuclear weapons. Terrorism, accidents, errors, irresponsible leaders, cyber threats, and regional tensions all increase the risk of a nuclear weapon or device being used. The United States and Russia have reduced their stockpiles of nuclear weapons over the past three decades, but the threat of nuclear annihilation still persists.

To avoid situations of nuclear escalation, a realistic and prudent nuclear policy requires serious planning of diplomatic signage and non-nuclear military options to seek the end of the war. Terrorism, by nature, is unpredictable and there is a risk that a terrorist organization could steal weapons. There is also a possibility that hackers could take control of the nuclear chain of command. Furthermore, there is a risk that several of these factors play a role at the same time.

The same escalation dynamic can occur after nuclear weapons have been used, when one or both (or more) adversaries decide to increase nuclear attacks to force the others to desist from continuing the war. The dangers of these weapons arise from their very existence. Of course, accidents and errors are not the only possible path that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons. There is also a risk that an incredibly irresponsible person will lead a country that possesses nuclear weapons. Unlike when the United States used nuclear weapons against Japan in 1945, today the adversary will also possess nuclear weapons in any conflict in which the United States would possibly use them.

This risk has been increased by access to technologies that allow nuclear newcomers to create smaller, more easily transportable weapons, called battlefield weapons, and by the worrying increase in military doctrines that lower the threshold for the actual use of nuclear weapons. It must also maintain advanced intelligence collection and recognition capabilities to detect threats that may require nuclear or other responses. Moniz and Sam Nunn applaud the Joint Declaration of the leaders of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States who pledge to prevent nuclear war and prevent arms races. Some analysts and officials immediately conclude that nuclear weapons of newer types or greater numbers will be needed to deter or defeat these potential new threats. Both countries also threaten the use of nuclear energy to prevent an adversary's attack, perhaps by cyber means, against critical nuclear command and control infrastructure. South Africa once possessed nuclear weapons and is the first state to voluntarily renounce nuclear weapons. In any case, to avoid situations of nuclear escalation, a realistic and prudent nuclear policy requires serious planning of diplomatic signage and non-nuclear military options to seek the end of the war.