Recently, Japan, the United States, and many others marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. This tragic event, often viewed as one of the most significant acts of destruction in warfare, was followed shortly by the bombing of Nagasaki, effectively bringing an end to a devastating global conflict.
Since those grim days, other nations have gained nuclear capabilities, with significant developments among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. In 1970, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was established by the original five nuclear powers aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to newcomers. The treaty promotes disarmament among existing nuclear states and encourages peaceful nuclear energy cooperation.
These nations committed to not transferring nuclear weapons or technology to others. Altogether, 191 countries have signed the treaty; however, notable exceptions include India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, which are either developing or have developed their own nuclear arsenals. Notably, North Korea and Pakistan have received covert assistance from Russia and China, reinforcing nuclear proliferation while strategically distracting the West. China, for instance, often uses North Korea to divert attention from its own actions on the international stage.
This tension has been exacerbated by the nuclear postures of Russia and China, which have amplified their threats amid various US administrations. They’ve relied on these tactics not just to buttress their own defenses but to incite apprehension among Western nations.
Take the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, for example. When China fired missiles at Taiwan, the Clinton administration responded by deploying aircraft to the region. In a somewhat revealing statement, a prominent Beijing general suggested that the US focus should be more on its own cities than on Taiwan, nudging a shift in focus away from the Taiwan Strait.
Similar overt threats have rolled in from Chinese military officials, which included alarming nuclear threats aimed at numerous American cities. Furthermore, there’s an implicit threat made by Beijing regarding potential conflict over Taiwan, intended to dissuade other countries, like the Philippines, from supporting US efforts against China. A Hudson Institute report earlier this year mentioned that these dangers could increase tension for the Japan-US alliance.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, mirrored China’s strategies, asserting his country’s nuclear capabilities amid tensions with South Korea, Japan, and the US. North Korea has significantly invested in enhancing its nuclear delivery systems with assistance reportedly from Russia, who also benefits from deploying North Korean troops to support its military actions in Ukraine.
Since the 2022 Ukrainian invasion, Russia has issued nuclear threats, primarily through Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent figure in Putin’s circle. Official Russian channels have downplayed these threats, claiming they merely reflect Medvedev’s personal views. Yet, there’s little doubt that such statements are sanctioned at the highest levels.
In light of nuclear threats, self-defense obligations under Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter seem compromised. The reckless nature of these threats adds a layer of nuclear terrorism to diplomatic interactions, which must prompt a response from the global community—countries must face repercussions beyond mere political condemnation to uphold the seriousness of these threats.
As Trump noted in reference to Medvedev’s remarks, “Words have consequences.” In line with this, relocating military assets such as submarines is one way to signal serious intent. Trump’s penchant for using economic sanctions could extend to countries that threaten nuclear use, suggesting that punitive measures should target such nations on top of regular trade policies.
