Journal Article - Ethics & International Affairs
Nuclear Ethics Revisited
Abstract
Scott Sagan asked me to revisit Nuclear Ethics, a book I published in 1986, in light of current developments in world affairs. In doing so, I found that much had changed but the basic usability paradox of nuclear deterrence remains the same. As do the ethical dilemmas. To deter, there must be some prospect of use, but easy usability could produce highly immoral consequences. Some risk is unavoidable and the moral task is how best to lower it. Nuclear weapons pose moral problems but nuclear use is the greater evil. Abolition may be a worthy long-term goal, but it is unlikely in the short-term relations among the nine states now possessing nuclear weapons. Drawing on just war theory, I examine the three dimensions of intentions, means, and consequences to outline a ten-point agenda for just deterrence that seeks to lower risks of nuclear war. The world has changed since the book was published but the basic moral dilemmas remain the same.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Ethics & International Affairs.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Nye, Joseph S. Jr. "Nuclear Ethics Revisited." Ethics & International Affairs, vol. 37. no. 1. (Spring 2023): 5–17.
.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Journal Article
- Security Studies
Madman or Mad Genius? The International Benefits and Domestic Costs of the Madman Strategy
Analysis & Opinions
- Project Syndicate
Dilemmas of Deterrence
Journal Article
- Journal of Conflict Resolution
Under the Umbrella: Nuclear Crises, Extended Deterrence, and Public Opinion
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
AI and Trust
Analysis & Opinions
- The Washington Post
A New Red Line For Iran
Paper
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Abstract
Scott Sagan asked me to revisit Nuclear Ethics, a book I published in 1986, in light of current developments in world affairs. In doing so, I found that much had changed but the basic usability paradox of nuclear deterrence remains the same. As do the ethical dilemmas. To deter, there must be some prospect of use, but easy usability could produce highly immoral consequences. Some risk is unavoidable and the moral task is how best to lower it. Nuclear weapons pose moral problems but nuclear use is the greater evil. Abolition may be a worthy long-term goal, but it is unlikely in the short-term relations among the nine states now possessing nuclear weapons. Drawing on just war theory, I examine the three dimensions of intentions, means, and consequences to outline a ten-point agenda for just deterrence that seeks to lower risks of nuclear war. The world has changed since the book was published but the basic moral dilemmas remain the same.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Ethics & International Affairs.Nye, Joseph S. Jr. "Nuclear Ethics Revisited." Ethics & International Affairs, vol. 37. no. 1. (Spring 2023): 5–17.
.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Journal Article - Security Studies
Madman or Mad Genius? The International Benefits and Domestic Costs of the Madman Strategy
Analysis & Opinions - Project Syndicate
Dilemmas of Deterrence
Journal Article - Journal of Conflict Resolution
Under the Umbrella: Nuclear Crises, Extended Deterrence, and Public Opinion
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
AI and Trust
Analysis & Opinions - The Washington Post
A New Red Line For Iran
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It