Nuclear Weaponry & The International System

The invention of nuclear weapons has majorly impacted the international system, altering the dynamics of warfare, diplomacy, and national security. Tensions within the international system only grow as more and more countries develop their own nuclear weaponry. With this, nation leaders have had to become more rational in order to prevent mutually assured destruction, a political phenomenon that has fostered global stability. Historical events such as World War II, the Cold War, and in recent events, the Russia-Ukraine War showcase the nuanced role nuclear arsenals has taken in military strategies and diplomatic negotiations. With these rising tensions, international actors have been compelled to prevent mutually assured destruction, fostering stability through negotiations. With these rising tensions, a reliance on international organizations that transcend national sovereignty, such as the United Nations, as an approach to conflict resolutions to maintain peace. This reliance has blurred the lines of national sovereignty, enabling globalism, as these institutions have stepped into a “world police” role. By evaluating the implications of nuclear weaponry on the international system, international actors can find more efficient and innovative ways to keep peace with one another and to prevent mutually assured destruction.