Since the first nuclear weapons test in 1945, more than 2,000 tests have been conducted worldwide. In the 1960s, testing moved underground to minimize radioactive fallout. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in the 1990s largely ended testing, with North Korea being the only country to conduct nuclear tests in the 21st century. However, the recent expiration of the New START treaty and other political actions have led to rising nuclear threats, with Russia and China increasing their nuclear stockpiles.
The debate over nuclear testing has resurfaced in the United States, with some advocating for a return to testing. The argument includes the need to ensure weapons are maintained and to signal to adversaries the readiness to use nuclear weapons if needed. The United States maintains that subcritical experiments and advanced computer simulations are sufficient to assess and modernize nuclear weapons without the need for full-scale testing. These experiments can replicate real weapon behaviors and help answer scientific questions about aging weapons.
Experts are split on the necessity of testing nuclear weapons. Some believe that the benefits of testing outweigh the drawbacks, such as the potential for other countries to resume testing. Others argue that stockpile stewardship, subcritical experiments, and computer simulations provide a thorough understanding of nuclear weapons and are effective in maintaining weapons without testing. The ongoing modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and the potential uncertainties surrounding aging weapons continue to fuel the debate.
The line between a nuclear test prohibited by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and an allowed experiment is not always clear. The concept of a “zero yield” test, where no energy beyond that produced by chemical explosives is released, poses challenges in interpretation and monitoring. Additionally, the risks associated with underground nuclear tests, despite being safer than open-air tests, include the potential release of radioactive fallout and accidents due to containment failures.
The advancements in subcritical experiments, such as the PULSE facility, allow for detailed assessments of nuclear weapons without conducting full-scale tests. These experiments, combined with powerful computer simulations and the stockpile stewardship program, offer insights into the complex physics of modern nuclear weapons. The ongoing efforts to validate simulations and maintain the stockpile aim to ensure the reliability and functionality of the nuclear arsenal.
The disarmament movement continues despite the lack of nuclear testing, with protests advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons. The recent political developments and rising tensions between nuclear powers have reignited the debate over the necessity of testing. The delicate balance between maintaining weapons capabilities, ensuring national security, and upholding disarmament efforts underscores the complexity of nuclear weapon policy in a changing geopolitical landscape.
