Add Quote by Paul Nitze
“The fact is, I see no compelling reason why we should not unilaterally get rid of our nuclear weapons. To maintain them is costly and adds nothing to our security. I can think of no circumstances under which it would be wise for the United States to use nuclear weapons, even in retaliation for their prior use against us. What, for example, would our targets be? It is impossible to conceive of a target that could be hit without large-scale destruction of many innocent people?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public statement, United Nations, 1990
Nuclear weapons are prohibitively expensive, morally indefensible, and strategically unnecessary; disarmament is the rational path.
In simple terms: Nuclear arms cost a lot and kill innocents; better to eliminate them.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for total nuclear disarmament.
Themes
security
ethics
policy
peace
Mood
serious
concerned
Type
policy
advocacy
When to use this quote
- government policy debates
- international negotiations
- defense budgeting
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
deterrence
mutually assured destruction
strategic stability
Questions to Reflect On
- What security guarantees replace nuclear deterrence?
- How can verification be ensured?
A Different Perspective
Disarmament faces political resistance and verification challenges.
