Striking piece
A Nuclear Dilemma: A Path to Global Disarmament
By Gbolahan Gbadamosi
Today, October 11th, 2024, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the 2024 winner of the Global Peace Prize: Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo. Here is what they wrote on X.
"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2024 #NobelPeacePrize to the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo. This grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is receiving the peace prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again." – The Nobel Prize on X.
This winner announced today brings to the fore the global nuclear race again. The spectre of nuclear annihilation looms large over humanity, a constant threat that, despite its existential implications, seems remarkably resistant to eradication. The question of how to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again is a complex one, fraught with geopolitical, ethical, and psychological dimensions.
A common argument is that the mere existence of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent, preventing their use by the fear of mutually assured destruction. However, this logic is flawed. While it may have prevented direct nuclear conflict between superpowers during the Cold War, it does not guarantee that nuclear weapons will never be used. Accidents, miscalculations, or rogue actors could still lead to catastrophic consequences. Moreover, the continued possession of nuclear weapons by some states while others are denied access creates a dangerous power imbalance, incentivising proliferation and undermining global stability.
The analogy to gun control is apt. While the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms in the United States, the prevalence of gun violence has led to calls for stricter regulations or even complete disarmament. Similarly, the possession of nuclear weapons, while technically legal under international law, poses a grave threat to humanity. The argument that nuclear weapons are necessary for self-defence is a double-edged sword. While it may provide a sense of security for some, it also increases the risk of their use.
The path to a nuclear-free world requires a multifaceted approach. First, there must be a commitment to global disarmament. All states, regardless of their size or military power, must agree to eliminate their nuclear arsenals and adhere to strict non-proliferation treaties. Second, effective international institutions must verify compliance and address potential threats. Third, there must be a shift in global thinking, away from reliance on military power and toward cooperation and diplomacy.
While the challenges are significant, the potential rewards of a nuclear-free world are immense. It would not only eliminate the risk of catastrophic destruction but also free up resources for development, education, and healthcare. Moreover, it would send a powerful message to future generations that humanity can overcome its divisions and work together for a better future.
If we were to believe the consequences of a nuclear discharge ultimately, what would be comforting is that none of us is immune. The world is coming down, but not an individual. The human greed for control and dominance over others makes it acceptable to keep nuclear weapons even by citizens of countries who possess them—not just their leaders.
The fear of nuclear annihilation is a constant companion to our species. However, it is not inevitable. By recognising the dangers of nuclear weapons, committing to disarmament, and building a more just and equitable world, we can create a future free from the threat of nuclear catastrophe.
Gbolahan Gbadamosi – 11/10/2024
--On Fri, 11 Oct 2024 at 14:01, Toyin Falola <toyinfalola@austin.utexas.edu> wrote:--
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