Growing Nuclear Threats: IAEA Warns of Increased Risks
In a recent interview with the UN News portal, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed grave concerns over the rising number of countries acquiring nuclear weapons. He warned that as more nations join the nuclear club, the likelihood of nuclear weapons being used increases significantly. Grossi highlighted the current global tensions and the normalization of discussions surrounding nuclear armament as troubling signs for international security.
"Imagine a world with all these tensions, where there are 15, 18, 20 countries with nuclear weapons. The use of nuclear weapons will very likely happen," Grossi stated. He emphasized that it is the IAEA's responsibility to prevent further developments in nuclear proliferation and to mitigate the risks associated with these growing arsenals.
Russia's Revised Nuclear Doctrine: Implications and Concerns
In parallel to the IAEA's warnings, Russia is also making headlines with its revised nuclear doctrine announced by President Vladimir Putin. Héloïse Fayet, a researcher at the Center for Security Studies at Ifri, outlined the key changes that could impact global security. The new doctrine clarifies that any attack on Belarus will be viewed as an attack on Russia itself, thereby solidifying the military alliance between the two nations.
Moreover, the doctrine stipulates that an attack by a non-nuclear state on Russia, supported by a nuclear power, could trigger a nuclear response from Russia. This escalation in military posture raises concerns about the potential for conflict between nuclear and non-nuclear states, especially in volatile geopolitical climates. Fayet noted that a large-scale air attack on Russian territory could also provoke a nuclear response, marking a significant shift in Russia's defensive strategy.
As the global landscape becomes increasingly complex with these developments, the need for diplomatic engagement and arms control measures becomes more critical than ever.
