A Trick Question: How Many Times Have Nuclear Weapons Been Used?

 Readers are likely aware of trick questions, which are designed to mislead the person answering. An example posed here is about how many times nuclear weapons have been used. A common response would be two times, referring to their use by the United States against Japan in World War II, which aligns with what a quick online search reveals. However, the trick lies in the interpretation of "used. " If we recognize that coercion also includes credible threats, then nuclear weapons have been used numerous times since World War II. They have become a constant element of international relations, utilized regularly by the US and other nations.

One might dismiss this as mere wordplay, believing that nuclear weapons count only when they are detonated. But consider a scenario where a man threatens another at gunpoint. Even if he does not fire, he is still committing robbery. So, why should the same standard not apply to government leaders wielding nuclear threats?

If we evaluate the implications of this standard concerning a gun, we must also think critically about the same approach to nuclear weapons, given their potential global consequences. The intent of this trick question is to highlight the serious nature of the threat posed by state leaders who possess nuclear arms and the constant risk they bring to humanity.

This idea wasn't originally proposed here; it was noted by Daniel Ellsberg in his work “Protest and Survive” in 1981. Ellsberg pointed out a common misconception among Americans that no nuclear weapons have been used since Nagasaki. In truth, despite the accumulation of nuclear arms there are over 30,000 held by the US after disarming many outdated ones these weapons have been considered and threatened for various reasons since WWII. Ellsberg emphasized that nuclear weapons have been utilized in a manner akin to pointing a gun at someone, regardless of whether they are actually fired.

Nuclear weapons are constantly leveraged in global politics, risking lives without the perpetrators facing criminal charges for their actions. Often, these threats occur in secrecy, as shown by an instance from 1946 when Truman threatened to use nuclear weapons against the Soviets if they did not withdraw from Iran, leading them to evacuate in less than 24 hours.

To prevent the actual use of nuclear weapons, future leaders must demonstrate a high level of judgment and awareness of consequences, which is rarely seen in historical or current political figures. This section illustrates a broader concern where nearly all postwar American presidents have either contemplated or threatened the use of atomic weapons at various points.

Numerous instances point out that nuclear threats have been part of American foreign policy since the 1940s through several recurring crises involving countries such as North Korea and during conflicts in the Middle East. Each administration has included nuclear discussions in their strategies, ongoing even in the present day under current leadership.

The danger remains not just with US politics; other nations also possess nuclear capabilities. With elevated stakes, people often tolerate perilous possibilities. An analogy from James Clear highlights human tendencies toward immediate gratification, even when future risks loom large.

Clear shares a creative strategy proposed by Roger Fisher, who suggested that a nuclear code be implanted in a volunteer near the heart, who must be physically harmed for the president to deploy nuclear weapons. This approach seeks to make leaders more aware of their choices and the resulting harm. However, response to this idea reveals fears that such a requirement could cloud the president's judgment and prevent the use of nuclear weapons altogether. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/trick-question-how-many-times-have-nuclear-weapons-been-used