We have reached a point where the world just can’t get any worse when it comes to nuclear weapons.
The number of countries with access to nuclear weapons is increasing, tensions between global superpowers are at an all-time high and the chances of an accident or intentional detonation of one of these weapons of mass destruction are higher than ever.
Let’s take a look at why the world just goes nuclear and it can only get worse from here on out.
With the threat of nuclear war looming over us, it’s no surprise that many people are concerned about a possible apocalypse. Adding in the fact that climate change, inflation and in general the global economic crises are making things worse revealed that we are in a very dangerous moment. Even some of the most optimistic people will tell you that we are approaching unpredictable times.
It’s challenging to trust that a world filled with such angst and aggression won’t end in a nuclear disaster. And who can you blame? With what feels like the Doomsday clock striking faster than ever before, it’s clear something has to give.
The state of the world is taxing our faith, but we must remain hopeful that things will get better. It may seem unlikely now, but only because we’re currently at our worst. The outbreak of war and global tensions are at an all-time high — so much so that some have even predicted the end of the world by 2023.
We know it seems impossible, but if humanity doesn’t find a way to band together soon, there could very well be a nuclear war sooner than later. These are dark times for sure.
The World Just Goes Nuclear And It Can Only Get Worse
Everyone is aware that the world is a horrifying place these days. Every day brings new threats and dangers, and every time we check the news, it feels like we’re one step closer to some sort of apocalypse. Isn’t it almost as if the end of the world is approaching?
Well, perhaps. Perhaps not.
In any case, North Korea, Russia, and the United States have made the world a little more dangerous. These three countries have recently announced their intention to use nuclear bombs as a primary source of power rather than as a last resort in an emergency.
And don’t think NATO is excluded, Nah Nah! It’s embedded in the name United States.
Obviously, this raises a number of issues, but global tensions are at an all-time high, and we haven’t seen them this high since World War II. So, what should this tell us?
Global Tensions Are At An All-time High
And I despise believing it is true or even discussing it. But, hey, that’s the reality.
If history has taught us anything, it is that we must never allow tensions and hostilities to rise to dangerous levels if we are to achieve lasting peace. Unfortunately, this is exactly what the world has allowed happening.
Russia and the United States are at each other’s throats, China’s influence is growing, global trust in a Western democracy is dwindling, and a variety of other countries (including North Korea and Iran) are attempting to assert their dominance.
Dominance. By this I mean they want more weapons than they already have — as it does not strive for world betterment but to create enemies and use its newest weapon as a means of deterrence against them.
Right now, the world is a very dangerous place. It’s only a matter of time before something disastrous occurs.
Sorry, if you panicking… I don’t mean to scare you! But, in reality, bad things are already happening; here’s my proof:
As of October 16, 2022, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had confirmed a total of 6,306 civilian deaths during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 397 of them were children. In addition, 9,602 people were said to have been injured. However, the OHCHR stated that the true figures could be higher, not to mention the lives lost in Russia during the war.
Again!
Israel has waged four wars on Palestinian territory since 2008, killing nearly 4,000 people, many of them children. Since 1987, the Israel-Palestine conflict has claimed 14000 lives. 87% of those killed were Palestinians. The most recent incident brings the total to over 14,000 people. Rough estimate, but it’s even more than that in truth.
Climate change is occurring. There is the COVID-19 pandemic. There are protests the world over.
In Africa, there is a Jihadist movement that is killing people. And there is more chaos than ever happening right outside your door. In my country, the President can be kidnapped and nothing happens. No one is safe, not even the President, because things have gotten so bad.
Preparations For Nuclear War Are Underway
Until recently, the last time we see a Nuclear test was when North Korea tested a nuclear bomb in 2017. The explosion at its Punggye-ri test site had a force, or “yield”, of between 100-370 kilotons.
A 100-kiloton nuclear weapon is six times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima by the United States in 1945.
Now, I sincerely hope that this is just a hasty reaction by world leaders. But, to be honest, it’s concerning to see so many countries begin to plan for nuclear war.
Russia has recently increased the alert level of its nuclear bombers, relocated nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to its border with Europe, and has even resumed the filling of its nuclear bunkers.
The US has deployed marines to Norway and relocated nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to Guam.
NATO began its long-planned annual nuclear exercises in northwest Europe today, as tensions in Ukraine remain high. The military alliance said the exercises would involve around 60 aircraft, including fighter jets, surveillance and refuelling planes, from 14 of NATO’s 30 member countries. The manoeuvres will also include US long-range B-52 bombers dubbed Steadfast Noon.
What should be of particular concern is that these two countries have previously gone to such lengths during times of heightened conflict. And if these are the actions we’re seeing now, it’s difficult not to be concerned about what’s to come.
There’s Been An Increase In The Number Of Global Conflicts
You’d think that a world at war would be a world that would want to avoid nuclear at all costs. But strangely enough, there has been a recent spike in the number of global conflicts increasing the probability that anything can happen.
There’s the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has been ongoing for years. There’s the conflict in Afghanistan, which has raged for decades. And there’s the conflict between the United States and North Korea, which has been ongoing for years too. And that’s just half of it.
This year has also seen the outbreak of a number of wars (including those between Russia and Ukraine, as well as intrastate conflicts such as the Burkina Faso terrorist, DR Congo insurgency, Nigeria terrorist insurgency, and Ethiopia civil war, among others).
While none of these conflicts has yet resulted in nuclear war, it’s concerning that they’re even happening in the first place.
What Happens Next?
Let’s hope nothing bad happens. But if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t always count on things going as planned.
If we’re being honest, it’s entirely possible that we’re on the verge of a global disaster: The world just goes nuclear and it can only get worse.
