"The decision to use the atom bomb on Japanese cities, and the consequent buildup of enormous nuclear arsenals, was made by governments, on the basis of political and military perceptions"

Joseph Rotblat's quote seriously reflects on the significant decision to release the atomic bomb in The second world war and the subsequent advancement of comprehensive nuclear toolboxes during the Cold War. This choice, as Rotblat explains, was mostly driven by political and military considerations rather than simply ethical or humanitarian ones.

The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 marked a significant juncture in military history and international relations. For Rotblat, the choice underscores the extent to which governmental agendas can override ethical and humanitarian issues. Political leaders and military strategists at the time were mainly motivated by the desire to rapidly end the war, conserve lives on both sides, and assert supremacy in the post-war worldwide order. However, this decision likewise led to the loss of tens of thousands of civilian lives and ethical debates that continue to this day.

Rotblat's assertion points to a much deeper concern: the prioritization of strategic dominance and power over ethical consideration and human welfare. The second part of the quote, which describes the "accumulation of enormous nuclear toolboxes", highlights the taking place arms race throughout the Cold War. This arms race was fueled by mutual suspect and the desire for deterrence, leading to a global stockpile of nuclear weapons that threatened human presence.

Rotblat, a physicist who had actually worked on the Manhattan Project before ending up being a supporter for nuclear disarmament, plainly stresses the requirement for political and military leaders to consider the long-term repercussions of their choices. The quote works as a warning about the possible risks of allowing political and military motivations to control decision-making processes, especially when it concerns technologies that have extensive humanitarian impacts. It advocates for a more ethical and responsible technique to global security, one that places higher focus on diplomacy and the conservation of human life.