Humanity in the shadow of weapons: From survival to nuclear threat

Throughout history, humans have developed weapons driven by the instinct to survive. The earliest weapons were simple tools used for hunting and self-defense, but over time, they became symbols of warfare and mass destruction. This evolution from a hunting tool to a nuclear device capable of annihilating millions reflects the tragic relationship humanity has forged with technology.

Early weapons: Tools for survival or seeds of war?

Did humanity invent weapons first for survival or for aggression? While the precise answer remains unclear, it is certain that weapons served both purposes. However, these tools also hinted at a deeper desire for dominance over nature and fellow humans. Weapons became not only tools for survival but also symbols of power and control.

Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous outcome of humanity’s complex relationship with science. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 demonstrated the devastating power of these weapons to the world. Nicknamed “Little Boy” and “Fat Man,” these bombs are now symbols of one of the greatest tragedies in human history.

Seventy-nine years ago, the events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki left an indelible mark on history. The destruction caused by the atomic bombs was not confined to these two cities; the world realized just how perilous nuclear weapons could be. But have the lessons from this painful experience been heeded today? Nuclear weapons continue to be used as tools of power by major states, and humanity remains under the shadow of this threat.

Nuclear deterrence: A real security or a fragile balance?

During the Cold War, nuclear weapons were seen as a deterrent, maintaining a precarious balance. The nuclear equilibrium between the United States and the Soviet Union was fragile, despite efforts to preserve it through agreements like the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM). However, this balance was disrupted when the U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2002.

The doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) was one of the key factors preventing the outbreak of nuclear war. According to this doctrine, any state that initiated a nuclear war risked being annihilated by a retaliatory strike. Yet, this reliance on deterrence overlooks the reality that neither states nor their leaders always act rationally. If deterrence fails, the effectiveness of defense remains uncertain.

Legitimizing nuclear weapons: A growing acceptance of threat

Today, the legitimacy of nuclear weapons is increasingly questioned less. Media and popular culture have pushed the dangers of these weapons to the background, making nuclear armament more acceptable. Films like “Oppenheimer” serve to normalize this process, dramatizing the personal struggles of the scientists involved while glossing over the catastrophic global and social consequences.

The film “Oppenheimer” focuses more on the personal trials of the scientists behind nuclear weapons than on the broader devastation they cause. Such narratives shift the spotlight away from the potential global tragedies these weapons can trigger. As a result, the process of nuclear armament becomes normalized, and the legitimacy of these weapons is questioned less frequently.

Turkey’s dilemma

Turkey, though not a nuclear-armed state, should strive for a world free of nuclear weapons. However, current geopolitical realities and the international environment make this goal increasingly unattainable. The possibility of Turkey one day being compelled to acquire nuclear weapons for its security must also be considered.

Turkey’s future nuclear policy will largely depend on international developments and regional threats. The option of acquiring nuclear weapons may become a necessity for the country’s security. However, this would require a deep strategic assessment of the role Turkey wishes to play on the global stage.

Is peace possible under the shadow of weapons?

Humanity continues its struggle for existence under the shadow of weapons. Nuclear weapons remain one of the greatest threats to human survival. Controlling and ultimately eliminating these weapons requires unprecedented international cooperation. Yet, achieving such cooperation depends on the willingness of world leaders and the international community to take decisive action.

Humanity must rise above being enslaved by the weapons it has created and seek to control this destructive power. The path to peace and security lies not in fear and terror created by weapons but in collective wisdom and cooperation. While there is still time to avert nuclear catastrophe, it is a shared responsibility that all of humanity must bear.