Nuclear Politics

Not surprisingly, the science of nuclear physics has been extremely politicized from its first discovery. Having the ability to create seemingly endless amounts of electric power, and also to completely destroy any target almost instantly, is something that any state would want to possess. This is why from the earliest theorizing about nuclear reactions, world superpowers have dominated the progress and evolution of nuclear physics.

From the earliest stages of World War II, the potential advantages of nuclear weapons were clear. In a long violent war which consumed massive amounts of lives and resources, having a weapon as decisive as a nuclear bomb could bring about the end of the war almost immediately. Both sides were very aware of this possibility, and it weighed heavily in their pursuit of nuclear technology. In perhaps the most stark political statement in history, the American atomic bomb was first unleashed in Japan, bringing a swift end to World War II. With this action, the United States sent a clear message to the world indicating their political and technological supremacy.

The nuclear arms race that this statement created is even further testament to the political power of nuclear weapons. This political power of nuclear weapons in fact exceeded their actual destructive power, as soon the use of such weapons became impossible. Nuclear weapons became strictly a deterrent, whose sole purpose was to guarantee the security of the nations who possessed them. The thought of actually using the weapons was ridiculous, since nuclear was would almost certainly mean the end of mankind. So in conclusion, the most destructive weapon ever devised by man was reduced to an incredibly expensive political bargaining chip, and thankfully never were deployed.