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Weapon of Mass Destruction or Weapon of Peace?

Weapon of Mass Destruction or Weapon of Peace?

Atom bomb: Either extinction fear or feel of safety, thriving world both at once

When the atomic theory was developed by John Dalton between 1803 and 1807, it was no way near to being used as a weapon for mass destruction, leading to extinction. Just after a decade, on the 16th day of July 1945, J. Robert Oppenheimer tested a new form of weapon codenamed "Trinity" by J. Robert Oppenheimer at the Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico during the peak of World War II. Strictly at 5:30 AM, humans felt the potential power of the newly developed weapon for the first time, releasing whomping 18.6 kilotons of energy.

That was enough for the explosion to vaporize the tower it was on, turn the surrounding sand and asphalt into green glass, and send a blast of heat across the desert. This was when the scientists and researchers joyed for the success of the atomic bomb.



This happiness turned into grief for many. On the 6th day of August 1945, the United States of America Bombed the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The bomb, nicknamed `Little Boy', was dropped from the USAAF B29 bomber `Enola Gay' , resulting in the death of thousands and millions, affecting them with the radiation burn. This showed the reality of humankind becoming the stake of our lives. Moving one step closer to its full extinction. The usage of nuclear bombs can be seen as a short-term gain against the long-term interest of the war-indulged nation-state. As the research and development of the power and potential of nuclear bombs continue to unfold, the word peace is securely neglected in between. The sheer gravity of the usage of Nuclear confrontation is highest during any potential conflict.

But interestingly, there is another lens to observe this: as a weapon of peace. Nuclear weapon is an uncontroversial remedy for the balance of power among the Nation-states.


This Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) puts the nations having them in a dilemma of usage, especially to other countries having the same capabilities of having this technology.


"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." ― Albert Einstein

There is a demand for a comprehensive ban on the usage, stockpiling, and further research on the development of bombs that are not conventional. Countless treaties were signed and

continue to do so, from The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive T est Banned Treaty (CTBT), etc. and many organizations and institutions like the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (www.icanw,org)

Atomic weapons are indeed the most inhumane and indiscriminate weapons ever developed.

Yet, having its peaceful benefits in the perspective of thriving humanity, some are listed below-


Deterrence: Possession of nuclear weapons can dissuade potential aggressors from launching

attacks, as the potential consequences of a nuclear exchange are deemed too catastrophic to

risk.


Balance of Power: Nuclear weapons can serve to maintain a delicate equilibrium among

nations, preventing any one country from attaining unchecked dominance.


Preventive Diplomacy: The looming threat of nuclear conflict can incentivize nations to seek

diplomatic resolutions to disputes rather than resort to military aggression.


Technological Advancement: Investment in nuclear weapons technology can spur

advancements in science and technology, yielding broader societal benefits.


Unity among Nations: Since World War II, no conflict has inflicted even half the

casualties of that era. This prolonged period of relative peace owes much to the existence of

nuclear weapons. This is why significant superpowers hesitate to eliminate their nuclear arsenals.


The true concern lies with tactical weapons, which yield limited and controlled destruction. Larger-scale weapons are perceived as less of a direct threat. The small nuclear tactile weapon is a concern that needs attention.



In conclusion, Nuclear weapons are a result of human advanced capabilities. Suppose used

correctly only for deterrence and showcasing the power till its utmost perfect. Global

coordination is required for the overseeing of this issue. No major wars were fought after the

devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This is a prime example of the peaceful side of WMD. Till the decision-makers understand the potential devastation of the Atomic Bomb, the world is in a safe place for the continuity of the human legacy of exploration.



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