Publication

This paper examines the plausibility of states and international bodies addressing the immediate humanitarian emergency caused by a nuclear weapons detonation. The authors first describe the humanitarian system in the 21st century and consider challenges for its activation and operation in the face of a range of plausible nuclear weapon detonation scenarios. Then they go on to identify ways of enhancing civilian protection from nuclear weapons and reinforce the importance of preventing the use of nuclear weapons in populated areas—whether deliberately or accidentally.