No First strike and No sole authority

The "no first use" doctrine in nuclear strategy refers to a state's commitment to not be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict, reserving them solely for retaliatory purposes. This doctrine aims to reduce the likelihood of nuclear warfare by promoting a defensive posture and discouraging preemptive strikes. On the other hand, the "no sole authority" doctrine pertains to the requirement for nuclear weapons to be deployed only under a collective decision-making process involving multiple high-level officials, rather than the sole discretion of the president. This doctrine adds a layer of deliberation and caution to prevent impulsive or reckless use of nuclear weapons.

Both doctrines are essential for promoting global stability and reducing the risk of catastrophic nuclear conflict. By committing to not using nuclear weapons first, countries can cultivate an environment of trust to induce further de-escalatory commitments. Additionally, requiring collective decision-making for nuclear weapon use adds a critical check against hasty or irrational actions, thereby minimizing the chance of accidental or unauthorized nuclear launches. Embracing these doctrines could contribute to a safer and more secure world by mitigating the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. The ultimate goal of any of RTT’s advocacy is complete disarmament and these doctrines may serve as a first step towards this end goal.

Radiation Exposure compensation act

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a federal statute aimed at compensating individuals who have developed specified cancers and other serious diseases as a result of exposure to radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining, milling, and ore transportation. This legislation was initially enacted in 1990 to address the health and economic hardships faced by individuals who were affected by these activities.

The necessity for the expansion and strengthening of RECA for true justice arises from several factors:

Firstly, many individuals who were exposed to radiation and have subsequently suffered adverse health effects may not qualify for compensation under the existing law due to narrow definitions of eligibility. As a result, a significant number of deserving claimants are being excluded from receiving the assistance they need and deserve.

Furthermore, the law covers specific areas where nuclear testing and uranium-related activities occurred. However, there are other regions across the United States and in other countries like Kiribati and the Marshall Islands that have been affected by similar radioactive contamination but are not included within the ambit of the legislation. Expanding the geographic coverage of RECA would ensure that all victims of radiation exposure are entitled to the same level of support and redress, regardless of where they reside.

Finally, the financial assistance provided under the Act should be sufficient to address the medical expenses and other economic burdens faced by affected individuals and their families. This includes not only covering medical treatments but also accounting for loss of income, caregiver expenses, and other related costs.

Comprehensive test ban treaty

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, seeks to ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes. The treaty aims to contribute to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, ultimately promoting global peace and security. For the United States, ratifying the CTBT is crucial in demonstrating its commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. By joining the treaty, the US can set a strong example for other nations and bolster its credibility as a leader in global security initiatives. Furthermore, ratification of the CTBT would help reinforce the norm against nuclear testing and strengthen the international framework for monitoring and verification of nuclear activities.