The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Japanese anti-nuclear weapon group Nihon Hidankyo, made up of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The group was honored for their efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for highlighting the devastating impact of these weapons through witness testimony. The award comes at a time of renewed global unease over nuclear weapons, with major powers modernizing their arsenals and new countries seeking to acquire them.
The use of nuclear weapons in World War II by the United States resulted in an estimated 120,000 deaths and remains the only time such weapons have been used in a conflict. The committee highlighted the alarming threats to use nuclear weapons in current conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East and Asia.
The peace prize also comes amid a backdrop of increased global conflicts, with more active wars than at any time since World War II. Geopolitics are dominated by major conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, as well as ongoing civil conflicts in countries like Sudan.
The award serves as a reminder of the devastating potential of nuclear weapons and the importance of working towards a world free of such weapons. The ongoing conflicts and threats of nuclear use underscore the need for continued efforts to prevent the use and spread of these weapons in order to ensure global peace and security.
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