Nuclear weapons are no longer limited to the discussion of big powers only. The countries for which nuclear weapons were not an issue till a few years ago, have now started changing their security policies. The security environment in the world is changing rapidly. For this reason, many small countries have started strengthening their defense preparations. Some countries are changing their laws, while some are reconsidering their old policies regarding nuclear weapons.
The number of countries possessing nuclear weapons in the world may be limited, but the changing global situation has started changing the thinking of many small countries. Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea’s continuous missile testing and the growing security crisis in Europe, many countries are reviewing their defense policy. Some are changing the law to deploy nuclear weapons in their country, while others want to keep future options open. Recently, Lithuania has also taken a similar step, after which the debate has again intensified whether the world is moving towards a new nuclear era.
lithuania
Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea’s continuous missile testing and the growing security crisis in Europe, many small countries are now busy strengthening their defense preparedness. The latest case is from Lithuania. Till now there was a ban in the Constitution of keeping nuclear weapons on the country’s soil. But, the government and major political parties have agreed to remove this ban. The government says that in view of the increasing security threat from Russia, it is important to keep all options open for the future. Although at present there are no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in Lithuania, but after changing the constitution, it will be able to open the way for NATO allies to keep nuclear weapons in their country if needed.
South Korea
In South Korea too, concern has increased about North Korea’s ever-expanding nuclear and missile programs. For this reason, the debate rages from time to time whether the country should develop its own nuclear weapons. However, South Korea is still adhering to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the government has not made any official announcement of developing nuclear weapons.
Poland
Poland is also busy strengthening its security strategy after the Russia-Ukraine war. Poland has repeatedly expressed its desire that NATO nuclear weapons be deployed on its territory. Although it has not announced to develop nuclear weapons itself, it is in favor of further strengthening the Western security structure.
Belarus
Belarus has given permission to deploy Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. This decision was taken during the increasing tension between Russia and Western countries. However, control of these weapons is considered to be with Russia only.
Japan
The situation in Japan is different. The only country in the world which has faced the attack of atomic bomb, even today does not adopt the policy of making nuclear weapons. But due to China, North Korea and regional security challenges, there is a political debate on this issue from time to time. Nevertheless, Japan officially sticks to the nuclear NPT policy.
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