"Nuclear proliferation - the proliferation of WMDs altogether - is one of the greatest dangers of our time"

Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons, materials, and technology to countries that do not yet possess them, increasing the overall number of actors with access to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Timothy Garton Ash’s statement draws attention to the heightened threat posed by this phenomenon in modern times. He expressly connects nuclear proliferation to the broader problem of WMDs, which include not only nuclear but also chemical and biological arms. By labeling proliferation as “one of the greatest dangers of our time,” Ash underscores the existential risk that comes from more states, and potential non-state actors, acquiring horrifyingly destructive capabilities.

Modern technology and globalization have made the transfer of technical knowledge and fissile material easier, eroding traditional barriers to entry for would-be nuclear powers. The risk does not end with states developing nuclear arsenals; it extends to the possibility that terrorists or rogue actors could acquire or engineer WMDs, circumventing existing international safeguards. The sheer scale of destruction that these weapons can inflict, not just militarily but also environmentally and psychologically, means any new potential user amplifies global insecurity. Instances such as North Korea’s nuclear development and concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions exemplify how proliferation increases regional tensions and destabilizes international relations.

Deterrence, which theoretically rests on the balance of established nuclear powers, grows fragile as more actors enter the equation. The risk of accidental launches, miscommunications, or intentional first strikes rises with every new party possessing WMDs, making arms control efforts and non-proliferation treaties more crucial, yet more difficult to enforce. At its core, the spread of such weapons threatens not only immediate targets but also global society as a whole, as it undermines security, fosters mistrust, and could result in catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Ash’s warning thus calls for urgent attention to arms control, international cooperation, and sustained vigilance to prevent further proliferation.