The nuclear arms race: Sociopsychological aspects

Nuclear weapons have abruptly and permanently broken the connection between weaponry and strength in one respect, but not in another. Perceived and actual reality still coincide in that strategic nuclear weapons in the hands of one adversary gravely menace the other. They differ sharply, however, in that, beyond a level long since passed by the United States and the USSR, accumulating more powerful and sophisticated strategic nuclear weapons decreases the security of all nations, including the possessor. Leaders of the superpowers seem to recognize this intellectually, but they continue to act as if acquisition of more nuclear weapons enhanced their nation's power. Intellectually they may be in the nuclear age, but emotionally they remain back in the days of spears and clubs. While technological advances in weaponry have increased the likelihood of universal destruction, advances in transportation and communication have simultaneously increased opportunities for impeding formation of the enemy image and other psychological instigators of violence by forcing humans to recognize that, despite national differences, we are all inhabitants of a small, fragile spaceship who must cooperate if the whole ship is to survive. The world now presents new opportunities and incentives for the creation of a world order that would contain effective institutions for peacefully resolving conflict. This is, to be sure, a long way off but for the first time it has become not only necessary but potentially achievable.