A report from a non-governmental organization, released on Thursday, has revealed a concerning increase in the number of nuclear weapons deployed and ready for use around the world. This rise comes at a time when armed conflicts are intensifying, raising significant fears about global security.
Nuclear weapons are distributed across nine countries: the United States, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea, according to the French Press Agency.
Details of the Report
According to the "Nuclear Weapons Monitoring" report issued by the "Norwegian People's Aid" in collaboration with the Union of Concerned Scientists, the total number of nuclear warheads possessed by these countries reached 12,187 at the beginning of this year. Although this figure represents a slight decrease of 144 warheads compared to last year, the number of nuclear weapons ready for immediate use has steadily increased, amounting to approximately 9,745 warheads last year.
This number represents a destructive capacity equivalent to 135,000 bombs like the one dropped by the United States on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, which killed around 140,000 people. The report also indicates that about 40% of these nuclear warheads (4,012 warheads) are equipped with ballistic missiles on fixed and mobile platforms as well as submarines, reflecting an increase of 108 warheads compared to last year.
Context and Background
Hans Kristensen, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists, considers the ongoing increase in the number of deployed nuclear warheads to be a troubling development that heightens the risks of rapid escalation, miscalculation, and accidental use. He emphasized in a statement from the "International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons" that this situation makes the world more dangerous for everyone.
Concerns are growing as conflicts escalate in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where countries possessing nuclear weapons are involved in these disputes, increasing the likelihood of nuclear incidents. The report warns of the erosion of disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, especially with the expiration of the "New START" treaty last month, which was the last agreement between Russia and the United States, the two main nuclear powers in the world.
Consequences and Effects
By the end of last year, 99 countries had joined the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons of 2017, either as active parties or signatories. However, nuclear-armed states that have not joined the treaty are investing massive amounts in modernizing and expanding their arsenals. These policies are supported by 33 countries that are under the umbrella of allies possessing nuclear weapons.
Melissa Park, executive director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, affirmed that countries claiming that nuclear weapons guarantee their security, especially in Europe, must realize that the nuclear umbrella does not provide any protection from real risks.
Impact on the Arab Region
These developments are particularly significant for the Arab region, where tensions and conflicts are increasing in several countries. The escalation of armed conflicts, especially in the Middle East, could lead to serious repercussions for regional and international security. Additionally, the presence of nuclear states in the region complicates situations and makes achieving peace and stability more difficult.
In conclusion, the report indicates that the world faces significant challenges in the field of nuclear disarmament, necessitating concerted international efforts to ensure global security and peace.