The World’s Nuclear Weapon Policy Essay Example

et al., 2008).

President Obama proposed the U.S nuclear policy, urging the United States to take the lead in reducing global nuclear weapons. This proposal led to the establishment of the council on Foreign Relations, sponsored by the Independent Task Force (Schwartz, 2010). The council aimed to decrease the risks associated with nuclear proliferation and use. Consequently, it developed the United States Nuclear Weapon Policy with the objective of minimizing nuclear weapons while maintaining a credible deterrent (Schwartz, 2010). This policy also ensures that the United States' nuclear arsenal is safe, secure, and reliable. The main goal of this council was effective utilization of resources to prevent any use or acquisition of nuclear weapons (May, 1990).

The task force, headed by Charles D. Ferguson, a CFR Senior Fellow, comprises influential leaders from the national security community. As stated in the council's report, Iran's nuclear programs pose significant challenges to strengthening rules-based nonproliferation regimes in order to prevent nuclear arms races in the Middle East (Schwartz, 2010). The Task Force stressed that enhancing the global nonproliferation regime could be the most effective approach to reducing proliferation threats from North Korea, Iran, and other potential nuclear states (Perry et al., 2008). The Task Force acknowledged in its report that establishing a nuclear security system requires collaboration with international partners and cannot be solely accomplished by the U.S. government.

The report suggests that all states should take responsibility for ensuring the elimination of nuclear weapons and preventing other states from acquiring them. It also calls for collective efforts to enhance security and reduce the availability of nuclear weapons and materials (Howard, 2004). The Task Force recommends that Russia and the United

States revitalize their strategic dialogue and utilize the guidelines outlined in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) to significantly decrease their nuclear arsenals (Perry et al., 2008). The Task Force also acknowledges the need for dialogue between the United States and China, a nuclear-armed rival, as both countries have been reluctant to agree on a formal nuclear arms agreement. This dialogue would promote transparency and explore ways to reduce or eliminate nuclear weapons in space (Perry et al., 2008).

According to Perry et al., (2008), nuclear policy is enforced through the signing of treaties between countries, such as the USA and the Russian Federation.

The treaty between the two parties established an agreement regarding the utilization of nuclear weapons. They formulated laws in articles that elucidated the handling and usage of nuclear weapons in various scenarios. The treaty is officially recorded under article 102 of the United Nations charter. It was signed on April 8th, 2010 (Schwartz, 2010). The U.S Nuclear Weapons Policy Report commends the U.S for its efforts.

Legislators are making efforts to reduce nuclear threats and promote disarmament. The United States aims to prevent any entity, whether it is a state or non-state actor, from using nuclear weapons. The main purpose of U.S. nuclear weapons is to serve as a deterrent for both the country and its allies (Schwartz, 2010). Lawmakers also work towards ensuring the security of allies, decreasing reliance on nuclear weapons, and actively engaging in global cooperation to diminish the importance of nuclear arms in security strategies.

The text outlines various goals, including: 1) seeking further reductions in nuclear forces by agreeing on a joint strategic arms control agreement with Russia in May

1990, 2) preparing for the approval of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and taking necessary actions prior to the Non-proliferation Treaty Review (NPT) Conference in May 2010, 3) supporting a halt in the production of fissile material for weapons purposes in 2010 as suggested by Schwartz, and 4) strengthening the important role of the International Atomic Energy Agency by promoting understanding of production and striving for universal acceptance of the Additional Procedure, while also ensuring sufficient funding for the Agency.

In order to ensure compliance with nuclear security practices by all governments possessing nuclear weapons, including India and Pakistan who are not part of the Non-proliferation Treaty, it is crucial to establish a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) (Gilpin, 2015). The authority of the NRC comes from the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act (ERA) of 1974, as amended (Howard, 2004). The NRC consists of several sections: Section 161 grants the NRC the power to conduct inspections and investigations and issue orders; Section 186 allows license revocation under specific circumstances; Section 234 empowers the NRC to impose civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation per day. These civil penalties are adjusted every four years based on the Debt Collection Act of 1996 and currently stand at $140,000 per violation per day.

Employee health and safety, defense, and security are important aspects, according to Schwartz (2010). The NRC's Enforcement Policy (May, 1990) covers the introduction of enforcement actions and the responsibilities of the presiding officers and the Commission in reviewing these actions. This policy applies to enforcement matters related to public radiological health and safety, personal health and safety, defense

and security, as well as environmental concerns. However, Perry et al. (2008) state that the medical occasion reporting provisional enforcement policy only pertains to medical occasions occurring within an NRC licensee's permanent implant brachytherapy program.

The Importance of Implementing a Global Nuclear Policy
The implementation of a global nuclear policy is essential in controlling the creation, possession, regulation, and utilization of nuclear weapons. This policy aims to limit access to responsible individuals and reduce the potential devastation caused by terrorists obtaining these weapons. The impact of nuclear weapons on the planet is extensive and includes widespread loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, environmental damage, thermal effects and burns, radiation consequences, and health risks (Perry et al., 2008). Additionally, a nuclear conflict could result in the release of smoke into the stratosphere, leading to a global decrease in temperature. Such an event would cause deadly frosts in agricultural fields located in the Northern Hemisphere for 1-3 years.

According to Schwartz (2010), a 45% decrease in global precipitation would cause the Earth's ozone layer to be destroyed and growing seasons to disappear, resulting in severe consequences for the environment, including widespread starvation.

References

• Perry, W. J., Scowcroft, B., & Ferguson, C. D. (2009). US nuclear weapons policy (No. 62).

Council on Foreign Relations.
- Gilpin, R. (2015). American scientists and nuclear weapons policy. Princeton University Press.
- Sagan, S. D. (2012).

Why do states develop nuclear weapons? Three models in the pursuit of a bomb.

(2011). Atomic audit: the costs and consequences of US nuclear weapons since 1940. Brookings Institution Press.

Howard, P. (2004). Why not

invade North Korea? Threats, language games, and US foreign policy. International Studies Quarterly, 48(4), 805-828.