Containment a more practical option

The dangers posed by the retention and proliferation of nuclear weapon stockpiles far outweigh any conceivable positive contribution to security they might offer. Recognising that chemical, biological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction are not only the most indiscriminately inhumane and morally offensive ever invented, and also the only ones capable of destroying life on our endangered planet as we know it, achieving universal nuclear disarmament should rank as our most urgent priority.

Given that, scattered around the globe, there are at least 1,600 tonnes of highly enriched uranium and 500 tonnes of plutonium, enough to produce 126,000 nuclear weapons, available to the highest bidder, we should expect and demand a strengthened safeguards agreement linked to unnatural disaster safety before it’s too late. Negotiations should emphasise the importance of ensuring national security rather than mandating disarmament, which has little pragmatic chance of success.

A sustainable, safe and secure supply of energy is one of our most imperative demands, as nations strive to develop reliable energy sources to meet their energy, environmental and national security needs, while also addressing climate change. The future of nuclear proliferation is inextricably related to the worldwide perception of us vs. them hegemonistic arrogance and unilateralism. Crucial decisions cannot be made or imposed by the US alone, but must be fostered by a world community of non-proliferation experts working together, with shared responsibility and accountability, to critically evaluate global policy alternatives in a spirit of cooperation rather than competitive disunity.

Charles Frederickson 

Bangkok