Chemical, Biological, and/or Nuclear Warfare (Essay Sample)

Student's Name Instructor’s Name Course Date Chemical, Biological, and/or Nuclear Warfare Thesis: Weapons of mass destruction such a nuclear, biological and chemical weapons are effective deterrence mechanisms against an attack. Since the end of the World Wars, the impact of weapons of mass destruction has been known. The Second World War came to an end after the US dropped a nuclear bomb in Japan. The weapon had a devastating effect, and it shocked humanity as people became aware of the devastating nature of this weaponCITATION Mic101 \p 32 \l 1033 (Kort 32). However, this proved beneficial as it signalled the end of the war, and it has been a major reason that world wars have not occurred again. The weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are effective deterrence mechanisms. During the Cold War, the US and Russia were competing to increase their nuclear weapon arsenals. It was a period where there was an increase in the proliferation of mass destruction as a means for a country to protect itself and prevent an attack. Indeed, the Cuban missile crisis could have escalated into a world war, but Russia and the US sought to resolve the issue and avoid a war. During the crisis, Russia attempted to ship WMD to Cuba. It was at the height of the cold war, and aggression among countries was the norm. However, the cold war ended in the early 1990s as countries sought to reduce their arsenals of WMDsCITATION Shi11 \p 41 \l 1033 (Kan 41). However, may countries such as Middle Easter countries like Pakistan and North Korea are increasing their stockpiles of WMD weapons. These weapons are often used by countries as a source of power and regional hegemony. They ensure that a state avoids any conflict. It is a deterrence especially when two countries have sufficient resources to deliver a nuclear payload or a WMD. In this case, both countries will avoid conflict as they ae aware that such weapons have a devastating effect on their countries. Proliferation Proliferation is a deterrence strategy. It means that a country will respond with force if they are attacked with WMD. It is especially effective when a country has sufficient weapons to respond. The US has placed itself as a leader in controlling the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It would prove beneficial in preventing a recurrence such as the nuclear bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Essentially, the US has stated that it will respond first if another country seeks to produce nuclear weapons. The nuclear weapons have been necessary is the use of consideration for policy makers.CITATION Shi11 \p 57 \l 1033 (Kan 57) They act as a symbol of prestige and strength. They are also used as a strategy for diplomatic talks. The weapons of mass destruction were a major issue during the cold wars. Russia and the US were in a competition to increase their stockpiles of WMDs especially nuclear weapons. The Cold Wars was a period where the number of WMD was at its peak. Currently, only a few nations have about 30,000 nuclear weapons. It is half the number in comparison to the WMDs available during the cold war. These weapons are twenty times stronger than the weapons used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed over 250,000 peopleCITATION Mic101 \p 121 \l 1033 (Kort 121). Since the end of the world war, nuclear weapons have never been used again. However there have been conflicts in the nuclear weapon states for about 50 years, and such weapons have not been used. It is not ethical to use or threaten to use WMD on another group of people. These weapons have a devastating effect on the population, and can easily be considered as a tool for mass genocide. Many people would die, especially both who are guilty and innocents. Furthermore, such weapons have a devastating effect that lasts for a long time. It in unethical to threaten other countries with such a weapon. WMDs are powerful, and they can be used to do harm when in the wrong hands. Some regimes such as Syrian government have used chemicals against their citizenryCITATION Shi11 \p 98 \l 1033 (Kan 98)...