Nuclear Weapons are a Great Peril and Hope | Editorials by CSS & PMS Aspirants
The following article, “Nuclear Weapons are not Only a Great Peril but a Great Hope“, is written by Dua Batool, a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali. Moreover, the article is written on the same pattern, taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. Sir Kazim has uploaded his students’ solved past paper questions so other thousands of aspirants can understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Few inventions in human history have carried the dual weight of unparalleled destruction and persistent deterrence as nuclear weapons. Indeed, they are a constant reminder of the horrors of war and the necessity of strategic defense. While critics argue that their existence heightens the risks of global annihilation, proponents claim that they have thus maintained peace among major world powers by safeguarding against large-scale conflicts via diplomacy, treaties, and many more.
Exploring the debate that rests on the maxim, nuclear weapons – despite their destructive potential – have been instrumental in maintaining global stability. The following discussion highlights how deterrence, diplomatic leverage, and strategic defense reinforce their role in preventing large-scale wars.
Nuclear Deterrence and the Prevention of Large-Scale Wars
First and foremost, nuclear deterrence remains the strongest justification for the existence of these weapons as their immense destructive power discourages direct conflicts between nuclear-armed states. In particular, the Cold War provides the clearest demonstration of this doctrine, where the United States and the Soviet Union – despite intense hostilities – refrained from open war due to the principle of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). As a result, these superpowers confined their rivalry to proxy battles and diplomatic maneuvering instead of engaging in direct combat.
Furthermore, historical records suggest that nuclear deterrence has prevented global conflicts by maintaining a delicate balance of power. For instance, the absence of a third world war can be attributed to the psychological and strategic barriers imposed by nuclear weapons. Therefore, contemporary military strategies rely on nuclear deterrence as a fundamental principle of national defense.
Strengthening Diplomatic Influence Through Nuclear Capabilities
In addition, nuclear weapons provide significant diplomatic leverage to the states that possess them. Notably, nations with nuclear capabilities often command greater respect in international negotiations, compelling allies and adversaries to engage with them more cautiously. For example, India and Pakistan altered their geopolitical standing after conducting nuclear tests in 1998, which forced major global powers to recognize their strategic significance.
More importantly, before acquiring nuclear weapons, these nations encountered diplomatic marginalization in critical global discussions. Afterwards, their nuclear status positioned them as key players in South Asian security, ensuring their interests could no longer be ignored. Thus, nuclear capabilities not only deter external threats but also enhance diplomatic influence, enabling nations to negotiate from a position of strength rather than vulnerability.
Ensuring National Security and Preventing Regime Overthrow
Besides, nuclear weapons are a safeguard against foreign intervention and regime overthrow. And its striking example is North Korea, which – despite economic struggles and international isolation, remains secure from external military aggression due to its nuclear deterrent. Conversely, nations, such as Iraq and Libya, which lacked nuclear defenses, experienced devastating military interventions that resulted in regime changes.
As a consequence, the geopolitical landscape reflects a harsh reality: nuclear capability functions as insurance against forced regime change and foreign coercion. For this reason, states that perceive themselves as vulnerable to external threats consider nuclear weapons a critical element of national defense. Hence, conventional military power alone does not provide the same level of security as a nuclear deterrent.
Maintaining Global Order Through Arms Control Treaties
To counterbalance the risks, the international community has implemented strict measures to regulate nuclear weapons. Among these efforts, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) stand out as crucial frameworks that have effectively curbed unchecked nuclear expansion. Since their implementation, strategic agreements between major nuclear states have led to substantial reductions in active warheads.
Specifically, these treaties establish disarmament guidelines, non-proliferation policies, and verification protocols, ensuring that nuclear arsenals remain under stringent international oversight. Therefore, while concerns about emerging nuclear states persist, historical evidence indicates that international treaties have successfully maintained a controlled and predictable nuclear landscape.
The Risks of Nuclear Proliferation
Despite these safeguards, critics argue that the continued expansion of nuclear weapons heightens the probability of catastrophic conflicts. According to this perspective, as more nations develop nuclear capabilities, the risks associated with miscalculations, accidental launches, or unauthorized use increase significantly. However, this argument overlooks that rigorous international safeguards and technological advancements have substantially reduced such dangers.
A compelling case is the voluntary disarmament of South Africa, which demonstrates that responsible governance and diplomatic negotiations can prevent reckless proliferation. Furthermore, nuclear-armed states have developed sophisticated control systems that ensure restricted access and deployment procedures. Therefore, while nuclear proliferation remains a legitimate concern, historical precedent suggests that diplomatic measures and global pressure can effectively prevent reckless nuclear expansion.
The Threat of Accidental Nuclear Launch
Another prevalent concern, often raised by critics, involves the risk of accidental nuclear launches due to technical malfunctions or miscommunication. For instance, the 1995 Norwegian Rocket Incident, in which Russia momentarily mistook a research rocket for an incoming missile, is frequently cited as evidence of how close the world has come to unintended nuclear war. While this issue warrants severe consideration, modern security protocols have significantly mitigated this risk. In fact, the swift de-escalation of nukes in the 1995 Norwegian Rocket Incident highlights the effectiveness of verification mechanisms and crisis communication channels. Additionally, contemporary nuclear launch procedures require multiple layers of authorization, automated fail-safes, and advanced environmental sensors. Therefore, the likelihood of an accidental nuclear launch remains minimal due to the stringent checks and balances within nuclear command structures.
Evaluating the debate critically, nuclear weapons remain one of the most contentious aspects of global politics. On the one hand, critics emphasize the dangers posed by proliferation and accidental launches, highlighting the devastating consequences of mismanaged nuclear arsenals. On the other hand, historical evidence underscores the role of nuclear deterrence in preventing large-scale wars, which enhances diplomatic influence, safeguards national security, and maintains global stability through arms control agreements.
In summary, the existence of nuclear weapons is an undeniable reality that continues to shape international relations. Instead of seeking total disarmament, global efforts should prioritize strict regulatory frameworks, diplomatic engagement, and technological advancements that ensure these weapons remain under tight control. Thus, as long as nuclear weapons persist, the primary objective must be to prevent their misuse while preserving their role as deterrents against large-scale conflicts.
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