Insecurity and vulnerability of non-nuclear weapon states

Nature

The proliferation and stockpiling of nuclear weapons by nuclear powers is a threat to the peace and security of those nations which do not possess nuclear weapons. Fear ranges from anxiety over possibilities of nuclear blackmail to dread of an exchange of missiles by any of the nuclear powers.

Incidence

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of 2023, nine states possess nuclear weapons, leaving over 180 countries without such arsenals. Non-nuclear weapon states, particularly those in volatile regions such as the Middle East and East Asia, frequently express heightened insecurity due to perceived imbalances in deterrence and protection, as reflected in United Nations General Assembly debates and regional security forums.
A notable example occurred in 2017, when North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests prompted South Korea, a non-nuclear weapon state, to publicly express concerns about its vulnerability and to debate the potential redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.

Claim

Even a nuclear exchange detonating a megaton (1 million tonnes of TNT is the equivalent) would cause a global winter so that the southern hemisphere as much as the north would be affected in this regard. In addition, many military targets are located in countries which have no nuclear, and in some cases very little conventional, defences. For these reasons, and the disruption of all trade movements, all nations have a vital stake in maintaining peace.

Counter-claim

The notion that non-nuclear weapon states face significant insecurity and vulnerability is overstated. Many of these nations thrive through diplomacy, economic partnerships, and regional cooperation, proving that security can be achieved without nuclear arsenals. Focusing on their perceived vulnerabilities distracts from pressing global issues like climate change and poverty. Instead of amplifying fears, we should celebrate the progress of non-nuclear states in fostering peace and stability, which ultimately benefits the entire international community.