sstoker

Zia Mian argues that the danger of nuclear weapons has always been understood—even by the leaders who created them—but they continue to be valued as instruments of power. He reframes nuclear deterrence not as a stable strategy, but as a fragile relationship rooted in threat, coercion, and human psychology. While governments maintain the illusion of rational control through bureaucratic systems, the reality is far more uncertain and dangerous. Despite this, Mian emphasizes that public opinion has shifted decisively against nuclear weapons, and a majority of countries now support prohibition. The challenge, he concludes, is not winning the argument—but transforming that majority into real political power.

Kevin Martin, president of Peace Action, contrasts the failures of U.S. war-driven politics with the promise of international diplomacy at the NPT Review Conference. Highlighting growing public and political opposition to militarism, he underscores the power of sustained grassroots pressure in shifting policy. Amid rising global tensions and nuclear risks, he calls for collective action toward peace, disarmament, and justice—echoing the urgent plea: No more war, no more nuclear weapons.

Joseph Gerson warned of rising nuclear dangers, failing treaties, and global instability, stressing that the world is closer than ever to catastrophe. He emphasized that real hope lies in collective action, urging renewed commitment to a nuclear weapon-free world grounded in the lived realities of the Hibakusha.