The Lessons of Hiroshima Must Not Drift Away

Context: 

On August 6, 1945, the US dropped a 15kt uranium bomb over Hiroshima (Japan), causing widespread destruction in the city center. 

• This event marked a significant change in our perception of weapons and warfare.

Nuclear Deterrence and the Emergence of the Nuclear Taboo

• Nuclear Deterrence in 78 Years:
  • Rise and fall of nuclear threats observed over the years.
  • The concept of nuclear deterrence engaged countries with and without nuclear weapons.
  • The growing power of nuclear weapons highlighted the global problem of nuclear use.
• The Emergence of the Nuclear Taboo:
  • As nuclear weapons became more destructive, a taboo against their use developed.
  • Political scientist Nina Tannenwald defined the nuclear taboo as a norm against using nuclear weapons.
  • Taboo extends across all nuclear weapons, regardless of their yield, reinforcing a blanket prohibition.
• The Foundation of the Taboo:
  • Nuclear weapons are treated as “absolute weapons” with distinct treatment.
  • The special status is not solely based on their power; conventional munitions rival nuclear destructiveness.
  • Knowledge from Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors reaffirms the taboo.
  • Indiscriminate effects contaminate the environment for decades, affecting generations.
  • Japan still bears the consequences of August 1945.

Testing Notions of Deterrence and the Nuclear Taboo

• After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our understanding of deterrence and the nuclear taboo has been tested.
• Putin issued nuclear threats, leading to concerns in September 2022.
• Speculation arose about the use of tactical nuclear weapons and its potential consequences.
• This was dangerous as it risked creating certain expectations and undermining the nuclear taboo.
• There is no consensus on what defines a tactical nuclear weapon, which adds to uncertainties.

Hopeful Responses to Nuclear Threats:

• NATO’s and Other Nuclear Weapons States’ Responses:
  • NATO and other nuclear weapons states responded to Putin’s sabre-rattling and speculation.
  • The U.S. took a strong stand but emphasized a non-nuclear, calibrated response to any nuclear adventurism.
  • Washington maintained its nuclear preparedness without fuelling nuclear speculation in Europe.
• International Opposition to Nuclear Weapons:
  • In November, China’s President Xi Jinping called for joint opposition to nuclear weapon use or threats.
• Concerns Over Tactical Nuclear Weapons:
  • The movement of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus raises concerns.
  • Belarus, like Ukraine, gave up its nuclear weapons in the 1990s for security guarantees.
  • Reversing the agreement would be a risky and symbolic provocation.
• Lessons from the Cold War:
  • During the Cold War, nearly 70,000 nuclear weapons were present worldwide.
  • Avoiding a nuclear exchange was partly due to the lessons of Hiroshima and partly due to luck.

Conclusion: 

As the world navigates complex nuclear dynamics, it must ensure that the lessons of Hiroshima do not fade away. Upholding the nuclear taboo, promoting responsible nuclear actions, and fostering international cooperation are vital in preventing future nuclear crises and preserving global security.

News Source: The Hindu

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