Eight Years and Counting: The Surprise Silence of Nuclear Testing

January 14, 2023, marks a notable milestone: it’s now been over eight years since the last nuclear weapon was detonated. This length of time is a record for the atomic age, and for many, it feels like a collective sigh of relief. Dylan Spaulding from the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights just how mind-blowing it is that roughly 2,000 nuclear weapons have been detonated since the first test in 1945. Most of those explosions occurred during the tense years of the Cold War, so the world has reason to celebrate this unprecedented peace.

But don’t let your hopes soar too high just yet. The ghost of nuclear fear still pervades international relations, where the mere idea of a rogue state conducting tests can stir up old anxieties. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, signed by 187 nations since its inception in 1996, has certainly helped curb testing. Still, one nation notably stands apart. North Korea, the thorn in the side of many global diplomats, continues to push boundaries with its nuclear ambitions. So while we’re on this peaceful stretch, the race isn’t quite over, folks.

With nations teetering on the brink of potential unrest, the question looms: will the world continue to embrace a more peaceful approach to nuclear weapons? The past has shown us that everyone can occasionally take a detour, but with responsible heads at the wheel, there’s still hope that the next milestone we celebrate will be a lasting one. After all, progress is always worth cheering for — even if it means we have to keep our fingers crossed a little longer!