"This means that the only function of nuclear weapons, while they exist, is to deter a nuclear attack"

Joseph Rotblat, a physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, emphasizes in this statement the essential function of nuclear weapons in international relations and global security. Rotblat underscores the notion that nuclear weapons must not be viewed as offending tools for conducting warfare but rather as instruments of deterrence. The existence of these weapons, as argued by Rotblat, serves a singular function: to prevent a nuclear attack by ensuring that any aggressive act would lead to mutually ensured destruction for both the assailant and the protector.

This point of view is rooted in the Cold War doctrine of deterrence, which posits that the large destructive power of nuclear arsenals deters countries from engaging in nuclear dispute. In this context, deterrence becomes a paradoxical pillar of peace, where the potential for disastrous repercussions keeps a vulnerable stability amongst nuclear powers.

Rotblat's quote can likewise be viewed as a review of the ongoing existence of nuclear weapons. By highlighting the particular function of deterrence, he implicitly questions the justification for preserving and updating nuclear arsenals. If deterrence stays the sole reasoning, then the argument for disarmament gains traction, as in theory, decreasing or removing nuclear weapons could decrease the risk of unexpected or intentional nuclear warfare while still pursuing global security through alternative means.

Moreover, Rotblat's declaration reflects a moral stance, challenging the worldwide community to reevaluate the ethical ramifications of depending on weapons of mass destruction as a cornerstone of security. He triggers a dialogue on the obligations of existing generations to mitigate nuclear hazards and to pursue a world where such weapons are deemed obsolete.

Overall, Rotblat requires a cumulative re-evaluation of nuclear strategies, advocating for a path towards disarmament and the pursuit of peace that does not depend upon the danger of annihilation.