The Moral Challenge of a Nuclear-Free World

We welcome and support the [Barack Obama] administration's commitment to achieving a world without nuclear weapons and strengthening nuclear security. Together with nuclear-weapons states, including the U.S., we are ready to discuss how to reduce the role of nuclear weapons -- by, for example,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Wall Street journal Asia
Main Authors Okada, Katsuya, Westerwelle, Guido
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Hong Kong Dow Jones & Company Inc 06.09.2010
Subjects
Arms control & disarmament
International law
Morality
Nuclear tests
Nuclear weapons
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Summary:We welcome and support the [Barack Obama] administration's commitment to achieving a world without nuclear weapons and strengthening nuclear security. Together with nuclear-weapons states, including the U.S., we are ready to discuss how to reduce the role of nuclear weapons -- by, for example, committing to possess them only for the purpose of deterring others from using them. Even if nuclear states cannot immediately agree to abandon their nuclear weapons, they can take practical measures to reduce clear and present risks. Some may ask themselves why Japan and Germany are seeking to pursue nuclear disarmament with such vigor when both countries rely on the United States for nuclear deterrence. Our countries have long been advocates of disarmament. Since re-emerging from total devastation in World War II, both countries have pursued a peaceful and stable world and the total elimination of nuclear weapons. It is in such a shared conviction that we find a common role. And we believe that pursuing nuclear disarmament is the path that will most reliably minimize nuclear risks and enhance international security.