hiroshima and Nagasaki
- The use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 created devastating consequences and thus have not been used in warfare since
- Despite tensions of the cold war and ongoing regional conflicts nuclear weapons have not been used
- One reason why states have not used nuclear weapons is the concept of mutually assured destruction MAD
what does the doctrine claim
The doctrine claims that if both sides have sufficient nuclear weapons, any nuclear attack by one side would result in the total annihilation of both parties. Firstly, there is the notion of first strike and second strike capabilities. First strike refers to the ability to destroy the opponents ability to retaliate, while second strike capability refers to the idea of destroying the opponent in retaliation. Thus, when both sides possess second strike capability against each other they enter a state of MAD. This means that any nuclear aggression from one side will result in devastating retaliation from the other side leading to mutual destruction/ mutual annihilation
1st and 2nd strike capabilities
when do they enter a state of MAD
- First strike refers to the ability to destroy the opponents ability to retaliate, while second strike capability refers to the idea of destroying the opponent in retaliation.
- Thus, when both sides possess second strike capability against each other they enter a state of MAD. This means that any nuclear aggression from one side will result in devastating retaliation from the other side leading to mutual destruction/ mutual annihilation
Tannenwald theory of nuclear taboo what does she challenge e..g cuban missile crisis
wide spread …
- Another reason why NW have not been used is because of Tannenwald theory of the nuclear taboo which challenges the traditional explanation of deterrence
- The widespread **normative belief and prohibition against the use of nuclear weapons **
- Its not just the belief that they should not be used but also the shared belief of right and wrong in regard to using them
- Overtime is has lead to the stigmatization of nuclear weapons
- They are even put in a different category. Conventional weapons vs nuclear weapons
- If Putin for example would be to use NW there would be large outrage vs when he’s just killing Ukrainians using conventional weapons
- Thus, when both sides possess second strike capability against each other they enter a state of MAD. This means that any nuclear aggression from one side will result in devastating retaliation from the other side leading to mutual destruction/ mutual annihilation
- For example, during the Cuban missile crisis the US and USSR had a tense confrontation over the missiles in Cuba, however both sides realized the dangers of the nuclear weapon and thus US and USSR reached an agreement. The soviets removed the missiles from Cuba and the US promised to not invade Cuba and also secretly removed the missiles from Turkey
- This is a prime example of MAD as both realized the potential for MAD and thus opted for diplomacy
despite perceived benefits (3)
what can it be due to
- Despite the perceived benefits of possessing nuclear weapons such as security, domestic political advantage and prestige many states have refrained from acquiring them and some such as SA, Belarus and ukarine have even given them up
- This can be due to international agreements such as the treaty on the non proliferation of nuclear weapins which aims to prevent the sprwad of nuclear weapons and promotes disarmament
- Under this treaty, states have agreed to eliminate their arsenals and instead share the benefits of nuclear technology
