Blog Post 2 Harrison Gold

 

After writing my analytical essay, I find myself spending a lot of time thinking about the Tannenwald essay, Stigmatizing the Bomb; Origin of the Nuclear Taboo. 

There is a lot of coverage in the media on Nuclear Weapons. The United States has them and they most certainly want other less reliable and peaceful countries, such as North Korea, not to have them. 

It has been over 75 years since nuclear weapons were used in combat. Tannenwald’s essay ponders whether the use of nuclear weapons is taboo.  From my point of view, that is an emphatic, “yes, way too far” ! 

It is clear that there is a broad public fear associated with the use of nuclear weapons - a universally agreed upon opinion.  This is due to the fact that their usage comes with unthinkable mass casualties and destruction.  

But, there is rationale as to why governments strive to create such brutal weapons. One main reason is because their existence serves as both a great deterrent and strong source of motivation for others to negotiate with us, as opposed to considering provocative actions against countries like the United States – countries that possess these all-powerful, nuclear weapons.  

Some arguments that support developing nuclear weapons include, the presumed cost-effectiveness of tactical nuclear weapons over conventional forces and the need to make the U.S. nuclear deterrent threat more credible. 

Also, when a nation possesses nuclear weapons, it can create a greater sense of nationalism in that people throughout history have tended to gravitate towards areas where the most resources are available.  Also, as relatively few countries possess these all-powerful weapons, it can create a bargaining chip for countries that need it.   Further, in addition to being a deterrent to foreign aggression, it also exponentially decreases an enemies threat to the possessing country’s military forces.  

A final benefit of nuclear technology is that, as a by-product of weapons, the United States and other countries have created new technologies in other sectors such as electrical, medical and space travel - innovations that have been very positive for people throughout the world.

Despite some positives, it is my view that 

the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.  This is because most people, despite how they feel about their enemies, have moral and ethical concerns that simply make the use of nuclear weapons taboo.  If these weapons were used in combat, deadly particles would be released that would ultimately kill many innocent people that were not intended to be affected in combat. This ancillary damage could also adversely impact the environment, which we know has directly resulted in various forms of cancer, as well as the ability to grow foods or even inhabit highly exposed regions.

Despite all the negatives of nuclear weapons, my personal, largest concern is the significant threat to terrorism.  As we know, there have been incidents where our tests have gone errant and it is possible that terrorist organizations have obtained dangerous materials that allow them to get closer to creating their own nuclear weapon.

As I stated in my analytical essay, I am hopeful that the taboo against nuclear weapon usage strengthens.  Tannanwald’s essay states that, “desirable policy measures minimizing the value of possessing nuclear weapons, along narrowing the range of circumstances in which the first use of nuclear weapons could be seen as legitimate.” (Tannenwald, p. 47)  Personally, it is my hope that civilization continues trending  in this direction.