European legislators endorse the presented report.
New Approach Urged in Europe's Arms Race Debate
IPPNW, the peace organization comprising medical professionals, has endorsed the SPD peace manifesto as a much-needed spark for a crucial conversation on alternatives to Europe's and the federal government's aggressive military policies. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has escalated tensions within NATO, a situation that IPPNW aims to alleviate. One of their keen supports includes the rejection of the proposed deployment of new US intermediate-range missiles in Germany, a move that IPPNW feared would reignite an arms race.
In alliance with over 50 civil society organizations, IPPNW advocates for the halting of this planned deployment as part of their campaign, "Peace-capable instead of first-strike-capable. For a Europe without intermediate-range weapons!."
Among other diplomatic initiatives, IPPNW champions a renewed push for dialogues and a "disarmament and arms control policy." The federal government should actively lobby for the extension of the New START treaty, a disarmament treaty that limits the number of nuclear warheads and intercontinental missiles. Despite being extended by then US President Joe Biden in 2021, the treaty's future is uncertain, with Russian President Vladimir Putin deciding to "temporarily" suspend it in 2023.
Another critical step toward risk reduction, emphasized in the peace manifesto, is the renunciation of a first use of nuclear weapons. To reach this goal, IPPNW advocates for dialogue among the three Western nuclear powers – USA, Britain, and France – along with Russia and China. China has already prohibited the first use of nuclear weapons in its nuclear weapons doctrine, as per their 12-point plan to end the Ukraine war, which declares: "Nuclear weapons must not be used, and nuclear wars must not be fought."
Dr. med. Angelika Claußen, IPPNW chairwoman, believes that resolving nuclear conflicts and ending the war in Ukraine are inextricably linked and require the federal government's immediate attention. She emphasizes the importance of enlisting China and other global South states in applying diplomatic pressure on Russia. "A military conflict resolution on the battlefield is not feasible, and the danger of the Ukraine war's escalation, coupled with the massive loss of life and destruction of Ukraine, demonstrate the need to interrupt the logic of war and engage in negotiations and diplomacy," asserts Dr. Claußen.
For more information on the "Peace-capable instead of first-strike-capable. For a Europe without intermediate-range weapons!" campaign, please visit https://friedensfaehig.de
Further insights:- European peace initiatives involve various discussions on European security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.- New START treaty is a vital arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, aimed at reducing nuclear proliferation and strategic stability.- Campaigns for peace and disarmament often focus on minimizing military capabilities that could be used in aggressive actions, such as intermediate-range weapons, and encourage diplomatic efforts and treaties to prevent arms races and maintain international stability.
The Federal government should consider the advocacy by IPPNW and their alliance, urging for the halt of the proposed deployment of new US intermediate-range missiles in Germany, as part of the campaign "Peace-capable instead of first-strike-capable. For a Europe without intermediate-range weapons!." Additionally, there's a call for active lobbying to extend the New START treaty, a disarmament treaty that limits nuclear warheads and intercontinental missiles, among international discussions on European peace initiatives, policies, and legislation related to war-and-conflicts and politics.
