Left, Right, Center is an annual series on Natetheworld where I attempt to find common ground on some of the biggest issues facing The United States.

Years ago, at Green Lake in Seattle, I attended a Hiroshima Day of Remembrance event. I went for two reasons. First and selfishly, I knew the event culminated with the lighting of hundreds of paper lanterns that would float across the lake as early evening began to take hold. Being new to the world of photography, I saw this as an opportunity to continue practicing. Secondly, I went to learn. I have known about Hiroshima and Nagasaki since grade school. I have long wrestled with the fact that my country dropped two nuclear bombs on crowded Japanese cities to end World War II. Considering myself a proud pacifist, I needed to learn about the efforts being taken to ensure something like this never happens again.

According to the Federation of American Scientists, “at the height of the Cold War, there were 70,300 nuclear weapons in the world. Today, there are 13,410.” Since Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the end of the Cold War between the USSR and the United State of America, nation-states of the world have committed themselves to the idea of lessening nuclear stockpiles. In fact, 191 states have committed themselves to the UN’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Looking at the dwindling stockpiles and profound agreements, one could assume this problem is solved and we can move onto something else.

Yet, as of today, according to the Ploughshares Fund, the following stockpiles remain: Russia 6,370, USA 5,800, France 300, China 290, United Kingdom 215, Pakistan 150, India 130, Israel 80, North Korea 20.

There is a multitude of reasons Democrats, Republicans, and Centrists should agree on continued work toward a world without nuclear weapons. 

1.       International relationships are always evolving, but there are real policy disagreements between the countries listed above. Using nuclear weapons to succeed in those disagreements should never be an option.

2.       The past 30-years has seen the rise of non-state actors like Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, and ISIS. These groups are focused on terror and getting their hands on nuclear materials would be the ultimate prize. Achieving zero nuclear weapons ensures fewer opportunities for mass destruction.

3.       Volatile states as North Korea add a level of unpredictability to international negotiations and relationships. If North Korea ever achieves the ability to fire intercontinental ballistic missiles, then they might be able to strike the United States.

4.       According to the Congressional Budget Office, the United States spends nearly $35 billion on its nuclear arsenal. A world without nuclear weapons means this funding could be used for other efforts such as poverty elimination.

5.       We still do not have a good way to store nuclear waste. If you live in Washington state, you know the drama around the Hanford nuclear site well.

6.       The testing of nuclear weapons means the potential for radiation exposure via the land, water systems, animals, and people.

The invention of these weapons of mass destruction is a rabbit that is hard to put back in the hat. Much like the Paris Climate Agreement or the international ban on landmines, I fully believe removing this threat is doable if we as a human race commit ourselves to the end goal. With all of the real policy disagreements between those of the left, right, and center, I believe there are real opportunities for compromise here. This is something we can do and is an opportunity for the United States to lead. Knowing we are the only country to drop a weapon of this sort on an enemy country, it is my estimation that we are in the best possible position to lead an effort toward a world without nuclear weapons.

Be good to each other,

Nathan

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