The dictionary defines the word proliferation as a rapid and often excess spread or increase. Thus we can then conclude that weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are rapidly and excessively spreading throughout the world. Many leaders are searching for ways of reducing proliferation, but it’s a challenge that could be considered utopic. It would require a worldwide effort to stop this proliferation, but there are too many power hungry and scared people that would not cooperate in fear of losing control or the means of control.
WMD may be classified into various categories. There are nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological weapons. These weapons are considered the most dangerous and powerful known to man. They have the enough destructive power to bring harm in large scale to humans, man-made structures, natural resources and the earth’s biosphere in general, thus the reason for the term “mass destruction”.
During the WWII, the United States led a project named, “The Manhattan Project”, which led to the creation of the first two atomic bombs used against a nation. The first one was “Little Boy”, launched at Hiroshima, and the second was named “Fat Man”, launched at Nagasaki. These two incidents gave end to WWII, but at a high price. Not only were many innocents killed, but this also created a fear in every nation plunging the nations of the world into a race to develop these WMD in order to feel safe and defend itself against such an attack.
Today there are approximately 31 nations of the world, known to possess WMD and around 32 different treaties regarding these weapons. Treaties are as far as it goes when it comes to eliminating these WMD. Even if every weapon was destroyed, this would not solve the problem. Why? Somebody would create or find the means to create another one.
In conclusion, proliferation of WMD can be considered impossible to eliminate, due to the fact that it represents power in a world driven by power and greed. Even if a nation “claims” that they have destroyed their weapons, there is never a true guarantee that they haven’t kept one hidden. It’s worrisome to think what would happen if one of these weapons was launched and everyone followed suite. It would definitely be an impressive fireworks show from space.
