The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away

Source– The post is based on the article “The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away” published in “The Hindu” on 5th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International relations

Relevance: Issues related to nuclear weapons and disarmament.

News–  The article explains the concept of nuclear taboo and nuclear deterrence.

What are some facts about the concept of nuclear deterrence and nuclear taboo?

With the increasing threat of nuclear weapons, it became evident that nuclear weapons will be a global problem. This led to development of taboo against their actual use.

Nina Tannenwald has defined the nuclear taboo as a collective norm that strongly opposes the use of nuclear weapons. These weapons are regarded as so morally reprehensible that there are very few circumstances in which their use can be considered justified

This strong aversion extends to all types of nuclear weapons, regardless of their explosive power. It advocates for a universal prohibition on their use.

However, this taboo lacks a legal foundation. Instead, it is rooted in notions of morality, proportionality, and accountability.

It is deeply entrenched in our perception of them as distinct and unique. As per Bernard Brodie, nuclear weapons are considered the ‘absolute weapon.’

The exceptional treatment given to nuclear weapons does not solely stem from their sheer destructive potentials. Instead, it is largely founded on the profound knowledge we have gained from the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The experiences of people affected by the bombings have shown that nuclear weapons are indiscriminate.

They leave lasting contamination on the environment for decades and have far-reaching effects on future generations due to radiation exposure. In Japan, people are still living with the consequences of the events that unfolded in August 1945.

How has the notion of nuclear taboo been tested in recent times?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has challenged our understanding of deterrence and the nuclear taboo. Throughout the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued various nuclear threats.

These threats have ranged from reminding the world of Russia’s nuclear weapons status to ordering Russia’s nuclear forces into a ‘special regime of combat duty’.

In September 2022, Putin declared Russia’s readiness to make use of all weapon systems. It raises concerns about the possibility of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons.

This had several dangerous implications. This speculation may create certain expectations that could influence the behavior of the Russian leadership.  It also undermines the long-standing nuclear taboo.

Furthermore, there is still no consensus on the definition of a tactical nuclear weapon. Battlefield or tactical weapons are delivered over shorter distances and are smaller in size.

However, the yield can significantly vary depending on the delivery method. For instance, the U.S. possesses tactical weapons with yields ranging from a fraction of 1kt to 170kt.

Why there is reason for optimism in the official reactions from the NATO and other nuclear weapons states concerning Mr. Putin’s aggressive posturing?

Washington made it unequivocally clear that any nuclear use would be met with a robust and proportionate response. it did not specify that this response would be nuclear.

On the contrary, it emphasized a carefully calibrated and conventional reaction to any nuclear adventurism at NATO’s borders.

Furthermore, the U.S. did not alter its nuclear preparedness, which prevented further escalation and nuclear speculations in Europe.

In November, even China’s President Xi Jinping called upon the international community to collectively oppose the use of nuclear weapons or any threats of their use.