Nuclear weapons are considered one of the greatest threats to global security. They have the potential to cause mass destruction and render the soil infertile for generations. According to the Arms Control Association, the world’s nine nuclear states have a combined arsenal of about 13,000 nuclear warheads.
How to avoid accidental detonation
While the destructive power of these weapons is frightening, it is important to note that accidental detonation is extremely unlikely. Modern nuclear weapons are carefully designed to be safe, with high levels of safety and reliability. “In its normal environment, a US nuclear weapon should not exceed a one-in-a-billion chance of prematurely detonating,” says Philipp C. Bleek, associate professor of nonproliferation and terrorism studies.
The different subsystems of a nuclear weapon are designed to be independent of one another, and the US Department of Energy mandates that weapons “include multiple sets of strong links, weak links, and barriers nested within one another, with each security subsystem largely independent of others”. To ensure safety against accidental detonation, using two of these subsystems achieves a one-in-a-million system guarantee, while three provide a one-in-a-billion.
Controlled use of nuclear weapons
In addition to security against accidental detonation, modern nuclear weapons also have usage controls that prevent their unwanted detonation. “For example, a missile warhead needs to pass certain conditions before it can arm itself, so that it cannot – or at least is extremely unlikely – detonate in its silo or aboard its submarine,” says Bleek.
The materials that need to combine to create a nuclear explosion are also kept separate when the weapons are inactive. Up to six safety devices are used on a nuclear weapon to ensure that an accidental detonation does not occur.
Another security measure is the nuclear material itself. “Nuclear weapons contain a certain amount of enriched uranium or plutonium, which is the source of energy for the nuclear reaction,” says Bleek. “But for the reaction to take place, the material needs to be combined in a specific configuration and be held in that configuration for a long enough period of time to allow for the reaction.” This is achieved by keeping the material in a highly secure form, with various safety systems to prevent or control a nuclear reaction.
However, even with all these safety protocols, nuclear weapons still pose significant risks. Since nuclear technology is complex and technically advanced, there is always a risk of human or technical failure. In addition, nuclear weapons can be targeted by extremist groups or enemy countries, which can result in their use or proliferation.
The risk of nuclear proliferation
Nuclear proliferation is one of the main concerns related to nuclear weapons. If an uncontrolled nation acquires a nuclear weapon, it could pose a threat to global security. Furthermore, nuclear proliferation can trigger an arms race, with other countries seeking to develop their own nuclear weapons to keep themselves safe.
To combat nuclear proliferation, there are international treaties and bilateral agreements that restrict the production and transfer of nuclear technology. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an example of this, which seeks to control the spread of nuclear weapons by limiting the number of nations possessing nuclear weapons and encouraging the dismantling of existing nuclear weapons.
However, even with these treaties and agreements, there is still a risk of nuclear proliferation. It is important to continue work on security and control measures to ensure global security and avoid the risk of nuclear war.
In summary, nuclear weapons pose a significant threat to global security. While there are strict safety protocols in place to prevent accidental detonation, there are still risks related to human or technical failure, as well as the risk of attacks and nuclear proliferation. It is crucial to continue work on security and control measures to ensure global security and avert the threat of nuclear weapons.
Furthermore, it is important to strengthen international treaties and bilateral agreements to control the production and transfer of nuclear technology, and to encourage the dismantling of existing nuclear weapons. International cooperation and dialogue between countries are key to ensuring global security and avoiding the risk of nuclear war.
Fonte: livescience