International Relations Essay

The introduction of nuclear weapons seems to produce a healthy fear among nations, contributing to the long spell of peace enjoyed internationally. This paper seeks to prove that nuclear weapons are essential for preserving peace on the international front. Body Firstly, the theory of nuclear deterrence helps to shape the ideology that states possessing nuclear weapons fear to use the atomic weapons against others states because there are other powerful states which can cause similar destruction. Therefore, the countries possessing nuclear weapons tend to be held in check by the restraint of conscience, knowing that any abuse of its military weapons might spark a war, leaving its population exposed to threats from other countries. Interestingly, there is enough evidence to support the claim since history records that since the dawn of nuclear weapons, the number of deaths resulting from wars has significantly reduced (Cirincione, 2007).

Secondly, nuclear weapons promote international stability through the promotion of a terror balance. The vertical proliferation of nuclear arms does not destabilize international politics because of the ability to encourage a power balance between nations. Countries that possess atomic weapons inculcate fear in the globe because there is a risk of misuse of the nuclear weapons, causing disastrous effects on the whole world. Global superpowers who possess atomic armaments create stability by checking the progress in nuclear weapon development in countries which do not meet the standards of rationality to ensure the safety of the globe (Heywood, 2014). An example of the terror balance occurred during the Cold War. Nuclear weapons come with the mandate to act cautiously and judiciously to protect the interests of the world.

It is common knowledge that the weight of responsibility makes people grow into maturity. Countries which enjoy the privileges of having nuclear weapons realize their opportunity and ensure that there is no country which misuses atomic weapons. For example, the regional tension between Pakistan and India would most likely fail to result in war because both nations have nuclear technology. Another example of the application of nuclear statesmanship is in the recent threats of North Korea against the United States. On the contrary, the countries will find ways of preserving some of the atomic weapons in a bid to gain an unfair advantage over the nations which would successfully yield their nuclear weapons to the demands of the international community. There is a group of people who believe that nuclear weapons pose an absolute threat and should be banned entirely from use.

The parties championing against atomic armaments present many arguments. Firstly, the presence of atomic weapons creates a conducive atmosphere for war. While it is possible that the possession of nuclear weapons may make some states cautious, the presence of these weapons can generate conflict due to the rash decision of a stressed leader in times of war. Moreover, in 1987, a truck transporting hydrogen bombs lost control on the road nearly causing an accident. The examples reveal the menace caused by the accidental detonation of the nuclear arsenal, something which could endanger humans forever. Secondly, there is a possibility of the existence of irresponsible powers possessing nuclear weapons. For example, atomic arsenal may fall into the hands of organizations which do not fear to take risks.