The unthinkable is being spoken out loud.

The taboo against using nuclear weapons is weakening, and with it our security.

It needs all of us to call out nuclear threats.

No matter who makes them.

Nuclear threats: 6 reasons words matter
 

Reckless rhetoric = rising risks

Putin and Trump have threatened to use nuclear weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons, breaking long-held norms around responsible rhetoric, at a time when diplomacy and safeguards are collapsing.

Normalising the unthinkable

Public talk of battlefield nuclear weapons, “limited” strikes, or “tactical” uses is becoming disturbingly common in strategic circles and media commentary, blurring lines that once kept nuclear use unthinkable.

Modern weapons, lower thresholds

The development of so-called “usable” nuclear weapons - smaller, more targeted warheads - makes their use seem more politically and militarily viable, raising the risk of actual deployment.

Strategic ambiguity exploited

Some nuclear-armed states are increasing the ambiguity around when and how they might use nuclear weapons, undermining deterrence stability and sowing fear and confusion.

Silence as complicity

As more world leaders flirt with nuclear threats, the lack of international condemnation risks legitimising this behaviour, eroding norms through omission.

Public desensitisation

After decades without use, the absence of horror has bred complacency. Without strong opposition, society risks sleepwalking into acceptance of nuclear use as just another option in warfare.

The 4D's: Key policy for leaders

Doctrine:

All nuclear states should make a clear no first use commitment, or at a minimum, declare that the sole purpose of nuclear weapons is to deter, and if necessary, respond to, a nuclear attack from an adversary.

Together, we can stop the unthinkable becoming acceptable

Call out nuclear threats, no matter who makes them.

Call for governments to reaffirm commitments to 'No First Use".

Call on leaders to condemn,
not echo, nuclear rhetoric.