Nuclear weapons still at core of international relations

Nuclear weapons have been at the core of international relations ever since they were developed. Nuclear-weapons states and their allies regard nuclear weapons as the cornerstone of security and means to stabilise international relations. At the same time, nuclear weapons pose a threat to the existence of humankind.

Most states argue that progress towards nuclear disarmament is too slow. All states claim to promote nuclear disarmament and reduce the risks associated with nuclear weapons. Yet, difficulties in reconciling different interests has slowed down progress.

Seeking ways to accelerate the disarmament of nuclear weapons 

In 2018, the United States launched an initiative called Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament (CEND), which aimed at finding means to reach common understanding and to enable further progress on nuclear disarmament. Forty countries participated in the initiative.

“Reducing the risk of nuclear weapons use and preventing arms race are important for promoting nuclear disarmament. The aim of the CEND initiative was to identify concrete and practical measures to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons use,” says Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen. He has co-chaired a CEND subgroup on reducing risks related to nuclear weapons.

Joint commitment

As part of the CEND discussions all participants affirmed their commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

The political will, especially among nuclear-armed states, to agree and implement nuclear risk reduction measures is essential. The non-nuclear-armed states also play a vital role and can contribute to nuclear risk reduction in meaningful ways.

Identification of reduction measures

The CEND dialogue sought to systematically take stock of and identify nuclear risk reduction measures, which included political-doctrinal, strategic and operational measures. Essential measures that contribute to nuclear risk management and reduction include no first use, non-use against non-nuclear-armed states, changes in the deployment of nuclear weapons, increased security of systems, and storage and transport procedures.

Increased dialogue and exchange of information increase confidence and security. Prevention of crises is crucial.

Arms control is part of security policy

Reducing the risk of nuclear weapons use can be an important step on the way to a better international security environment and a world free of nuclear weapons. Finland actively promotes nuclear disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. NATO membership will not change Finland’s arms control and disarmament policy, which emphasises the importance of agreements and of ensuring that the agreements are complied with and implemented.