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By and large, the world wants to move away from the…

“By and large, the world wants to move away from the nuclear era. The question is how fast and how far. In a world of sovereign nation-states, I can't rationalize any number above zero. If it's more than zero, you have to acknowledge every nation has the right to have them.” quote by George Lee Butler
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“By and large, the world wants to move away from the nuclear era. The question is how fast and how far. In a world of sovereign nation-states, I can't rationalize any number above zero. If it's more than zero, you have to acknowledge every nation has the right to have them.”

George Lee Butler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The world wishes to abandon nuclear weapons, but any non‑zero stockpile is justified by national rights.

In simple terms: Nuclear arms are hard to eliminate completely.

Key Takeaway

Seek realistic disarmament pathways.

Themes

security ethics geopolitics

Mood

concerned analytical serious

Type

policy philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy negotiations
  • defense planning
  • public advocacy
  • academic research

Key Concepts

deterrence theory international law

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can nations truly agree on zero nuclear weapons?
  • What alternatives exist to deterrence?
A Different Perspective

Zero‑tolerance may be unrealistic politically.

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