Assignment
Nuclear War
The massive stockpiles of nuclear weapons in the world are supposedly built on the premise that no sane person would use them, and that they are required for deterrence. However, so long as a single nuclear weapon exists, there is a chance for an error, and accident or even a deliberate action for it to be used. Therefore, in the current scenario, where tactical nuclear weapons are being deployed in Pakistan, terrorists are becoming increasingly inventive, and security codes and protocols in place in major nations are not foolproof, the possibility of nuclear war is inevitable (Hellman).
Nations not adhering to international protocols on nuclear weapons are the ones most likely to breach convention and begin a nuclear war. In the current scenario, North Korean belligerence is a primary flashpoint for such a war.
The United States, being the world’s most powerful nation, needs to take a lead in preventing nuclear war. Disarmament talks with Russia must gather momentum. The immediate aim must be to reduce stockpiles drastically, and to bring North Korea within the ambit of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
The rest of the world needs to adhere to international protocols of non-proliferation. Nations not having nuclear bombs must not begin building one. For this, they must be assured of security by the big powers. Nations holding nuclear weapons must ensure continued security and begin the long process of global disarmament.
World Peace
The world has always been through the throes of conflict. The last major war was the Second World War. Though wars on such a large scale have not occurred in the last sixty years, there have nevertheless been local wars fought by proxy amongst the major world powers. More recently, religion has become a focal point for terrorist organizations to wage irregular wars at the regional level.
World peace, as defined by a total absence of conflict, is not a practical reality in the foreseeable future, primarily because of the lopsided holding and exploitation of resources in the world. The world is currently divided into the haves and have-nots. Till the time there is equitability of resource and opportunity in the world, conflict will occur. Therefore, it is necessary for major powers to address inequity in the world. While giving away resources from the rich countries to the developing world is impracticable, what is feasible is the creation of a transparent and equitable trading system that gives developing countries an even chance to improve the lot of their people. World peace, if defined as an absence of major conflict (Mitchell), is definitely possible in the future, within our lifetime. However, a world without conflict would be too idealistic to expect. What is realistically possible is that nations have adequate inbuilt security systems in place to prevent others fro attacking them. If major nations get together to rid the world of the scourge of terrorism, it may be possible to achieve the goal of world peace, characterized by the absence of major conflicts.
Works Cited
Hellman, Martin E. “Nuclear War: Inevitable or Preventable?” EE.Stanford.edu. 2001. Web. May 8, 2016.
Mitchell, George. “Is World Peace an Impossible Dream?” The Journal of International Institute 9/3. 2002. Web. May 8, 2016.
