War and peace in the nuclear age

Abstract

The ongoing confrontation with North Korea is a reminder that the world must prevent nuclear weapons from ever being used again. North Korea's development of a nuclear arsenal and delivery systems that could threaten the U.S. mainland, South Korea, and Japan has heightened the possibility of a disastrous conflict with hundreds of thousands of casualties. If constructive dialogue does not happen soon, the United States and North Korea may ratchet up tensions and take increasingly provocative actions. The decision by North and South Korea to field a combined team in the Winter Olympics gives hope for broader engagement, but diplomacy by scientists might be one step toward a more lasting rapprochement.