Nuclear Disarmament

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security, Defence

Context

• Japanese atom bomb survivors’ organisation Nihon Hidankyo has won the Nobel Peace Prize for its “efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons”.
  • The argument for nuclear disarmament is rooted in the terrible effects and aftereffects of nuclear weapons, which were seen first hand in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

About

• From the immediate thermal and shock effects to long term environmental damage, a nuclear detonation exacts terrible human costs.
• Weapons available today are many times more devastating than the ones detonated in Japan in 1945. 

• Concerns: Over the first 9 weeks of a nuclear explosion, it is estimated that roughly 10% of deaths will be due to the effects of radiation, with 90% deaths being due to thermal injuries or blast effects.
  • However, the effects of radiation will manifest themselves in the form of various cancers and genetic damage over the coming years and generations.

Nuclear Disarmament

• Disarmament refers to the act of eliminating or abolishing weapons (particularly offensive arms) either unilaterally or reciprocally. 
• It may refer either to reducing the number of arms, or to eliminating entire categories of weapons.

Nuclear Powers in the World

• There are nine countries recognized as possessing nuclear weapons. 
• These countries are often referred to as “nuclear-armed states” or “nuclear powers.” 
• United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel.

Treaties Related to Nuclear Disarmament

• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): Signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, the NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
  • It divides the world into nuclear-weapon states (NWS), recognized as possessing nuclear weapons at the time of the treaty’s signing, and non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS), which agree not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. 
  • The treaty also requires NWS to pursue disarmament negotiations in good faith.
• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Adopted by the United Nations in 2017 and opened for signature in 2018, the TPNW aims to prohibit the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons.
  • It represents a significant step towards nuclear disarmament, although it has not been signed by nuclear-armed states.
• Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Opened for signature in 1996, the CTBT aims to ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.
  • While the treaty has been signed by 185 countries and ratified by 170, it has not entered into force as nuclear-armed states must ratify it to become operational.
• Outer Space Treaty: This multilateral agreement entered into force in 1967 and bans the siting of weapons of mass destruction in space.
  • All nine states believed to have nuclear weapons are parties to this treaty.

Arguments in Favour of Nuclear Disarmament

• Humanitarian Concerns: Nuclear weapons possess unparalleled destructive power, capable of causing immense loss of life, widespread devastation, and long-term environmental damage.
• Global Security: The proliferation of nuclear weapons increases the likelihood of their use, whether intentionally or accidentally, leading to catastrophic consequences for humanity. 
• Economic Benefits: Maintaining and modernizing nuclear arsenals incurs substantial financial costs for countries whereas funds can be redirected from nuclear weapons towards more constructive purposes to improve overall well-being.
• Non-proliferation and Arms Control: By demonstrating commitment to disarmament, nuclear-armed states can encourage non-nuclear-weapon states to adhere to non-proliferation agreements and refrain from developing their own nuclear capabilities.
• Ethical and Moral Imperatives: Eliminating nuclear weapons is viewed as a moral imperative and a step towards building a more peaceful and just world.
• Environment Pollution: Nuclear weapons testing and potential use have devastating environmental consequences, including radioactive contamination of land, air, and water. 

Arguments Against Nuclear Disarmament

• Deterrence: Proponents of nuclear deterrence argue that possessing nuclear weapons serves as a powerful deterrent against potential adversaries, preventing conflicts and maintaining strategic stability. 
• National Security: Possessing nuclear arsenals provides a form of insurance against potential threats and enhances the ability to protect the interests and sovereignty of a country in an uncertain international environment.
  • For these countries, relinquishing nuclear weapons could be perceived as weakening their security posture and leaving them vulnerable to external threats.
• Strategic Stability: Nuclear weapons are often seen as instruments for maintaining strategic stability between rival nuclear-armed states. 
• Geopolitical Tensions: Tensions between nuclear powers such as India and Pakistan, USA and Russia, and North Korea and the USA make disarmament difficult. In regions of high conflict, nuclear weapons are seen as necessary for survival or maintaining a balance of power.
• Verification and Compliance: Critics argue that without robust verification mechanisms and effective enforcement measures, countries may exploit disarmament agreements for strategic advantage. 
• Geopolitical Realities: Deep-rooted mistrust, unresolved conflicts, and strategic competition among states make it difficult to envision a scenario in which all countries would willingly and simultaneously relinquish their nuclear weapons. 

Way Ahead

• Nuclear disarmament is seen as a crucial step towards reducing the risks and promoting international peace and stability.
• While achieving complete nuclear disarmament may be a long-term objective, incremental progress can still be made through concerted international efforts and cooperation. 
• It requires sustained commitment from all nations to work towards a world free of nuclear weapons, ensuring the security and well-being of future generations.

Source: IE