Argument Quote by Joseph Rotblat
“We are told that the possession of nuclear weapons - in some cases even the testing of these weapons - is essential for national security. But this argument can be made by other countries as well.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Nuclear Disarmament, 1970
Nuclear arms are justified as security, yet any nation could claim the same, exposing a logical flaw in deterrence logic.
In simple terms: Nuclear weapons are claimed essential, but any country could argue similarly.
Key Takeaway
Question the necessity of nuclear deterrence.
Themes
security
deterrence
logic
policy
ethics
Mood
anxious
critical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- international negotiations
- defense policy
- public debate
- academic research
Key Concepts
mutual assured destruction
strategic stability
non-proliferation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is security truly enhanced by nuclear arms?
- What alternatives exist to ensure safety?
A Different Perspective
The argument ignores the risk of escalation and moral costs.
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