Given the destructive characteristics of nuclear weapons, do you agree with the view that nations should eliminate nuclear weapons? Justify (200 words)
Refer – Financial Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
Arguments favouring nuclear weapons
Nuclear weapons aren’t weapons for offence, but for deterrence
· Historically, it has been observed that when a nation state possesses nuclear weapons, it is less likely to go to a full scale war with another state.
· The reason being that these weapons have the capability to annihilate entire populations and the radioactive residue left behind leads to hazardous health consequences on future generations as well.
· As a result, no nation state takes the risk of going to a war with a nuclear weapon state.
· The power of a nuclear weapon state actually lies in not using the weapon, but in having it because once a state uses such weapons, it can risk the wrath of the entire international community.
· The biggest threat today about nuclear weapons is the fear of these going into the hands of non-state actors, like terrorist groups, who can exploit them, inflicting tremendous harm to the humanity at large.
· Thus the important thing that responsible nation states should keep in mind is that these weapons should not go into irresponsible hands that can put the global security at a great risk.
Arguments against nuclear weapons
The only device having the capacity to destroy all complex life forms on Earth.
· Humanitarian necessity – Any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic consequences.
· The effects of radiation on human beings would cause suffering and death many years after the initial explosion.
· Security aspect – It pose a direct and constant threat to people everywhere. Far from keeping the peace, they breed fear and mistrust among nations.
· The biggest threat today about nuclear weapons is the fear of these going into the hands of non-state actors, like terrorist groups, who can exploit them, inflicting tremendous harm to the humanity at large.
· Environment aspect – It would take less than 0.1% of the explosive yield of the current global nuclear arsenal to bring about devastating agricultural collapse and widespread famine.
· A small scale nuclear war between two countries would result in megatons of black carbon being released into the atmosphere, causing “Nuclear Winter”.
· The resulting smoke and dust would lead to an abrupt drop in global temperatures and rainfall.
· Economic aspect – Nuclear weapons programmes divert public funds from health care, education, disaster relief and other vital services.
· Accidents – This is the biggest disadvantage for Nuclear Weapons as it can accidentally lead to massive radiation disaster.
Nandadeep 6 years
Please review. Thanks
IAS Parliament 6 years
Focus more on justification part. Avoid short forms in answers. Try to be more legible. Keep writing.
Tapasvi 6 years
Kindly review
IAS Parliament 6 years
Good attempt. Try to include environment aspect as well. Keep writing.
