The role of nuclear weapons in global security, against the backdrop of the development of modern technologies and current challenges

Abstract

In the modern period, many threats and challenges are emerging for international security, the prevention and management of which are becoming increasingly difficult. The scale of the challenges is immense and is exacerbated by the policies of aggressive states, the illicit actions of regional aggressive actors, terrorists, and criminal groups, among others. Among the weapons created by humanity in the world, one of the most powerful and destructive, along with radiation, is nuclear weapons, the arsenal of which is so large that it can destroy the Earth at least a hundred times. The process of developing modern technologies, especially in missile systems, increases the threat's dimension even further, as their speed, stealth systems, and destructive effects intensify. This paper aims to present the threats and challenges posed by nuclear weapons in the context of international security, against the backdrop of the development of modern technologies. Since their creation, nuclear weapons have been a powerful, destructive weapon capable of destroying and harming millions of people. Accordingly, preventing a nuclear war should be the main task of all states. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has further increased the threat of the use of nuclear weapons, especially when officials of the Russian Federation, starting with the president, often mention the danger of starting a nuclear war. Especially when they directly threaten Ukraine and the West with the use of nuclear weapons. This threat is made even more urgent by the new nuclear doctrine of the Russian Federation, which provides for a preemptive strike on the enemy. This threat is compounded by the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan and the military clashes that occur at different times. China's position on the policy of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, which, instead of reducing its nuclear arsenal, is increasing its arsenal, is also of concern. As for North Korea's nuclear policy, it is like China increasing its nuclear arsenal and permanently threatening South Korea and the United States with the use of nuclear weapons. North Korea conducts prohibited nuclear tests, which violate international norms, but it blatantly violates them. Iran's nuclear program also poses a significant threat, as it is trying to create nuclear weapons, which will change the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The creation of nuclear weapons by Iran is prevented by Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities and fuel necessary for missile systems, as well as other military arsenals. Nuclear weapons represent both a certain guarantee of security and a great threat, since their presence in the hands of aggressive states increases the risk of their use, and the nuclear non-proliferation treaties concluded during the Cold War are gradually being repealed and are being flagrantly violated. It is also important to have nuclear-free zones in the world, as their expansion would be beneficial for global security. Also, nuclear states should not work on the creation of new nuclear states, as this will further increase the threat of the use of these weapons. It should be noted that terrorists have been trying for years to seize the technologies for creating nuclear weapons and damage nuclear facilities, including nuclear reactors. At this time, it is inevitable for global geopolitical players to develop a common security policy, which will be aimed at developing more effective mechanisms for achieving global security in relation to weapons of mass destruction. The theoretical basis of the study encompasses the theories of deterrence, nuclear intimidation, balance of power, and nuclear terror. The study discusses the capabilities of nuclear weapon states, political relations between nuclear states, nuclear non-proliferation treaties, nuclear-free zones, nuclear missile systems and their classification. Additionally, against the backdrop of the development of modern technologies, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the security of nuclear systems is being explored. In the standard geopolitical security framework, states should cooperate more to achieve common security. Even as the world forms a new world order, which is a complex and potentially tense process, global players must initiate active cooperation in the direction of nuclear security. Without which it is impossible to achieve global security. In this format, the world's leading international organisations also play a significant role.