At the conclusion of the Cold War, global powers largely agreed on the necessity of reducing nuclear weapons, believing that a world with fewer of these devastating tools would be safer. However, the world has now entered a new era, and that consensus is crumbling. Treaties are failing, nuclear arsenals are being bolstered, and the spread of nuclear weapons seems increasingly likely. Even the use of tactical nuclear weapons in conflict, once unthinkable, is now considered a plausible option.
This shift in global nuclear dynamics began in 1945, with the first nuclear test at the Trinity test site in New Mexico, and continues to unfold in alarming ways. As President John F. Kennedy feared in 1963, we are now facing a reality in which “dozens of nations possess weapons of mass destruction,” an existential threat that has yet to dissipate. Kennedy described this scenario as “the greatest possible danger and hazard” during his presidency, underscoring the urgent need for global vigilance in curbing nuclear proliferation.
The Nuclear Arms Race and Its Impact
Over the past 80 years, the number of nations developing nuclear weapons has grown significantly. The United States detonated its first atomic bomb in 1945, followed by the Soviet Union in 1949. By the 1980s, more than 16 countries had pursued nuclear weapons programs, and the global stockpile of nuclear warheads reached its peak at around 70,000. Since then, the global number of warheads has declined due to arms control treaties, such as the 1991 Start treaty between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which placed limits on the number of warheads each country could possess.
Despite these efforts, the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the looming expiration of the New Start treaty in 2023 signal a dangerous regression in global nuclear diplomacy. These treaties were crucial in ensuring that the U.S. and Russia, the two largest nuclear powers, would limit their arsenals. With these agreements faltering, concerns are mounting about the potential use of nuclear weapons in conflicts—particularly tactical nuclear weapons.
Tactical nuclear weapons, with their smaller yields and shorter ranges, are becoming a growing concern as they might be used in conventional wars to gain a battlefield advantage without triggering a larger nuclear conflict. Moscow has already indicated that it might use such weapons in Ukraine, expanding the doctrine that governs the use of nuclear arms. Western powers fear that Russia, facing setbacks on the battlefield, could resort to tactical nukes as a desperate measure.
The Global Spread of Nuclear Weapons
Efforts to limit the spread of nuclear weapons have centered on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), signed in 1970. This treaty now has 191 signatories, with the vast majority pledging not to develop nuclear weapons or to work toward disarmament. However, three significant nuclear powers—India, Pakistan, and Israel—never joined the NPT. Additionally, North Korea officially withdrew from the treaty in 2003, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a matter of international concern. Some experts believe Iran is months away from acquiring nuclear capabilities, a situation that could spark a dangerous regional arms race. Saudi Arabia has already stated that it would seek nuclear weapons if Iran succeeds, with Turkey potentially following suit.
If the world sees an increase in the number of nuclear states, the risks to global peace will grow exponentially. Countries like South Korea, threatened by North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, have also considered acquiring nuclear weapons to defend themselves. In a world where international alliances are weakening and traditional treaties are dissolving, these fears are not unfounded.
The Catholic Church’s Call for Peace and the Dignity of Life
As Catholics, we are called to be peacemakers and to protect the sanctity of life in all its forms. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that the use of nuclear weapons raises profound moral questions. The Church has consistently opposed the use of weapons of mass destruction, emphasizing the need for disarmament and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to conflict (CCC 2314).
Pope Francis, in particular, has been outspoken about the dangers posed by nuclear weapons. In his 2017 message for the World Day of Peace, he urged leaders to “commit to a world without nuclear weapons” and called on all nations to reject “the false promises of security that come from weapons of mass destruction.” The Pope’s message is a call to uphold the dignity of the human person and to work toward a world where peace, not fear, prevails.
As global nuclear threats continue to rise, we are reminded of the importance of continued efforts to curb the spread and use of nuclear weapons. Treaties that once held promise are now being weakened, and countries are rearming in ways that threaten not only their own security but the stability of the entire planet. As Catholics, we must advocate for peace, promote disarmament, and stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable in the face of growing nuclear dangers.
The words of President Kennedy remain as relevant today as they were during the Cold War: “The greatest possible danger and hazard” lies not just in the number of nuclear weapons but in the growing willingness to use them. It is our moral duty to ensure that this future, one that could devastate humanity, does not become our reality. The Church’s message is clear: the path to peace must be pursued through dialogue, disarmament, and respect for the sanctity of life.
