The idea that those who possess power can do as they choose is not new. This idea was proven true during the Cold War in the late 1950s and 1960s. In Pat Frank’s Alas, Babylon, the Soviet Union was in deadlock with the United States for world domination. One false step by the American Air Force had disastrous repercussions for the citizens of the United States. Countless Soviet nuclear bombs were detonated on American soil, completely destroying everything of any significance to society (Frank). Tension had existed between the two superpowers of the era for several years before the publication of Alas, Babylon, yet several Americans refused to prepare themselves for the idea that everything could change in an instant. According to Richard
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Although most Americans were unaware of the severity of the current situation, it did not prevent the inevitable nuclear war. The thirst for world domination has always had a prominent effect on society. If those who have power misuse it and are not responsible for their actions, everything the world once knew can change with the flash of the explosion of a nuclear bomb.
The abuse of power is the direct result of fear. Following World War II and the American bombings on Japan, the world was at peace for a few short years. Everything changed when an arms race began between the United States …show more content…
It is human nature for people to crave control and power. Once those who possess power feel threatened, they see it necessary to remove the threat at all costs. The Cold War in the 1950s and 1960s is a common example of this struggle for global supremacy; however, “far from diminishing the dangers of nuclear war, the end of the Cold War has heightened it” (Symonds 3). The same problems that faced American citizens in the midst of the Cold War are present in American society today. The philosophies of Herman Kahn, an author during the Cold War, remain relevant today. He believed it was necessary for “Americans to accept the consequences [of nuclear warfare], no matter how horrifying” (Symonds 1). With the developing arms race in the Middle East and North Korea the American population must be prepared to launch into nuclear warfare at any moment otherwise “without the willingness to push the button, nuclear war preparations [are] just an elaborate bluff” (Symonds 1). Power and its use has been a controversial topic throughout human existence (Symonds 1-3). If those who hold power are not responsible, the world will remain on the verge of total destruction. Global conflict can be avoided, but the longing for control can bring an end to everything society once
Although most Americans were unaware of the severity of the current situation, it did not prevent the inevitable nuclear war. The thirst for world domination has always had a prominent effect on society. If those who have power misuse it and are not responsible for their actions, everything the world once knew can change with the flash of the explosion of a nuclear bomb.
The abuse of power is the direct result of fear. Following World War II and the American bombings on Japan, the world was at peace for a few short years. Everything changed when an arms race began between the United States …show more content…
It is human nature for people to crave control and power. Once those who possess power feel threatened, they see it necessary to remove the threat at all costs. The Cold War in the 1950s and 1960s is a common example of this struggle for global supremacy; however, “far from diminishing the dangers of nuclear war, the end of the Cold War has heightened it” (Symonds 3). The same problems that faced American citizens in the midst of the Cold War are present in American society today. The philosophies of Herman Kahn, an author during the Cold War, remain relevant today. He believed it was necessary for “Americans to accept the consequences [of nuclear warfare], no matter how horrifying” (Symonds 1). With the developing arms race in the Middle East and North Korea the American population must be prepared to launch into nuclear warfare at any moment otherwise “without the willingness to push the button, nuclear war preparations [are] just an elaborate bluff” (Symonds 1). Power and its use has been a controversial topic throughout human existence (Symonds 1-3). If those who hold power are not responsible, the world will remain on the verge of total destruction. Global conflict can be avoided, but the longing for control can bring an end to everything society once