Is Nuclear Anarchy Sustainable? A Temporal Approach
Yevgeny I. Uchaev|Artem Kvartalnov
The article develops a novel temporal approach to the sustainability of nuclear anarchy. extant literature offers two opposite perspectives on topic: some scholars argue that anarchy is unsustainable, since it will inevitably either lead catastrophic war or evolve into hierarchical world order. Their opponents doubt inevitability in system sovereign states and/or its nature. However, debate, as stands now, ignores fact both technology and social structures are embedded – mediated by cultures worldviews. In particular, weapons interstate specific temporalities. Taking this account, we identify compare perceptions time interrelated with weapons, one hand, international anarchy, other. reveals contradiction anarchy: while imply potential finitude humanity, intrinsically connected an indefinite temporality. We derive theoretical implications form concept contradiction. First, realization finite temporality should subvert legitimacy anarchic order encourage limitations national sovereignty. Second, ‘eternalize’ i.e., reinterpret them compatible eternity human civilization. Familiar events history including early attempts establish control energy, Strategic Defense Initiative, evolution anti-nuclear movement interpreted here empirical evidence favor described above. Thus, provides another argument idea unsustainable long run, proliferation leads hierarchy, whereas persistent masks severity threat, making more conceivable probable.
Vestnik MGIMO-universiteta