The Nuclear Bomb: A Necessary Evil

Abstract

If humanity had a time machine, would we stop the nuclear bomb from ever being created? Perhaps someone could erase all knowledge of humankind's most lethal and destructive weapon. Maybe this way, humanity would not live in an unceasing shadow of violence, fear, and total annihilation. The only problem is that time machines do not exist. Today, governments face the overwhelming task of adapting to a world equipped with the knowledge of nuclear weapons. Many question the role of nuclear arms and argue that these weapons should be swiftly and permanently abolished. While this response appears simple, many factors make the issue of atomic weapons more complex and difficult to manage. There are strong arguments on both sides, but ultimately, not banning nuclear weapons proves as a more comprehensive and logical solution to the threats that these weapons present in the 21st century. Nuclear weapons should not be banned for two reasons: primarily, complete disarmament efforts would be ineffective and hazardous, and secondly, these weapons sustain the global power balance, thus maintaining peace.