May 9, 2024
Madelyn Creedon, Franklin Miller, and Daryl Kimball address the strategic, ethical, and security challenges of nuclear modernization and expansion in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Creedon, a national security expert, highlights that the U.S. faces unprecedented nuclear challenges from two rival powers, Russia and China, which have accelerated their nuclear and missile development programs. She emphasizes that maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear triad—submarines, missiles, and bombers—is essential, arguing that newer systems are necessary to keep pace with technological advancements and potential threats from adversaries like North Korea and Iran.
Miller, a defense policy expert, discusses the critical balance between deterrence and arms control. He contends that while treaties with other nuclear powers, such as China and Russia, are beneficial, they cannot replace robust deterrence measures. Miller supports adding new weapons systems, including sea-based nuclear cruise missiles, which would supplement existing capabilities, strengthen deterrence, and assure allies who face immediate threats, particularly in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. He argues that building these systems would not necessarily fuel an arms race, as both Russia and China already possess similar capabilities.
Daryl Kimball, from the Arms Control Association, takes a different stance. He cautions against unchecked nuclear expansion and the risks of escalating an arms race. He advocates for prioritizing diplomatic efforts and arms control measures over expanding the nuclear arsenal. Kimball suggests that additional nuclear weapons may not enhance national security as much as strategic, targeted investments in non-nuclear deterrence and defense capabilities. He calls for renewed focus on international treaties and arms reduction agreements, which he believes could provide stability and reduce the risk of accidental nuclear conflict.
Taken together, this debate reflects broader concerns within the U.S. defense community about how best to respond to adversaries’ nuclear advancements while managing the financial and security implications of nuclear expansion.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
