Nuclear Weapons Development

Nuclear weapons development emerged after World War II, as nations sought powerful new arms to ensure security. This process involves creating devices that release massive energy through nuclear reactions, either fission (splitting atoms) or fusion (combining atoms). The resulting explosions are exponentially more destructive than conventional weapons. During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union raced to build larger arsenals, leading to concepts like deterrence—where the threat of mutual destruction discourages conflict. Today, nuclear weapons remain a contentious issue in global politics, balancing deterrence with efforts for non-proliferation and disarmament.