Getting rid of nuclear weapons is really hard. We’ve tried making deals to limit these weapons, hoping that would lead to a world without them. But lately, those deals haven’t been working out so well. Arms control measures, once seen as a step toward a world without nuclear weapons, in recent years are usually failing. While there are many reasons for these limitations, one important factor is that feelings get in the way. We should pay more attention to the role of emotional intelligence, or Emotional Quotient (EQ), in global decision-making.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT (EQ)?

Emotional Quotient, or EQ, refers to the ability to recognize and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, in a way that promotes stability and balance. While EQ is usually considered an aspect of individual behavior, it also applies to nations, as countries are led by people. And people are driven by emotions such as pride, insecurity, and the desire for prestige. Leaders also sometimes feel scared or threatened by other countries. This can make it hard for them to trust each other enough to make deals.

In an international system where no single governing body has overarching authority, countries are often in competition and driven by fear of threats to their stability, resulting in what is known as the “security dilemma.” The security dilemma is a core concept in the study of international relations and helps explain why states may inadvertently end up in conflicts despite not wanting war. It refers to a situation in international relations where actions taken by one state to increase its security (such as building military forces or forming alliances) can lead other states to feel threatened. In turn, these states may respond by increasing their own security measures, which can make the first state feel even more insecure. This creates a cycle of insecurity and escalation, even though neither side initially intended to threaten the other.

The security dilemma arises from the lack of trust and the uncertainty about the intentions of other states. Even defensive actions, such as strengthening a military for protection, can be perceived as offensive by others, leading to an arms race or increased tensions between states.

HOW EQ AFFECTS GLOBAL RELATIONS AND NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

The emotional dynamics within and between nations can have a profound impact on the prospects for nuclear disarmament. For example, North Korea’s decision to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and develop nuclear weapons was driven in part by the country’s desire to project power and protect its sovereignty, influenced by strong emotional factors such as insecurity and pride. On the other hand, South Africa chose to dismantle its nuclear weapons program, despite having developed one, demonstrating a more rational and empathetic approach to the issue.

Nations also use their military capabilities—both conventional and nuclear—to create fear and deter adversaries. This tactic relies on emotional manipulation, using the psychological impact of a country’s power to influence others. The concept of “nuclear deterrence” or the “balance of terror” is based on the emotional responses of nations to the perceived threat of nuclear weapons. In this sense, emotional intelligence plays a significant role in shaping global security.

KEY ELEMENTS OF EQ IN STATE RELATIONS

EQ is made up of several components that help countries manage their internal and external relationships. These components are:

• Self-awareness: Understanding a nation’s own security needs and priorities.
• Empathy: Understanding the needs and concerns of other countries when engaging in arms control or disarmament discussions.
• Motivation: Really wanting to get rid of nuclear weapons and working hard to make it happen.
• Self-regulation: Following the rules and sticking to agreements, even when things get tough.
• Social skills: Talking and negotiating with other countries in a respectful and productive way.

Unfortunately, when countries lack these qualities, achieving nuclear disarmament can seem like an impossible dream.

THE CHALLENGES OF NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

The process of nuclear disarmament becomes particularly challenging when countries feel threatened by others. For instance, the slow progress of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT), which aims to reduce the production of materials used in nuclear weapons, has been hindered by China’s refusal to sign unless the United States agrees to negotiate on a treaty China supports, aimed at preventing an arms race in space. Because they can’t see eye-to-eye, the treaty is stuck.

Similarly, the failure of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which sought to eliminate certain types of nuclear missiles, highlights a lack of empathy between nations. The United States withdrew from the treaty in 2019, partly due to the development of intermediate-range missiles by countries like China, Iran, and India. However, Russia continued to show some empathy with its moratorium on deploying such missiles, even though President Vladimir Putin later reversed this stance.

In regions like the Middle East, the presence of nuclear weapons in Israel and the ongoing nuclear developments in nearby countries make creating a nuclear-free zone extremely difficult. Despite agreements in other parts of the world, such as the Pelindaba Treaty in Africa, fears about chemical weapons and regional instability continue to complicate disarmament efforts. Even when countries make agreements, they don’t always stick to them. Russia recently pulled out of a treaty banning nuclear testing, even though they had agreed to it before. This shows how quickly things can change when feelings of distrust and fear take over.

…the failure of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty highlights a lack of empathy between nations

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP AND EQ IN DIPLOMACY

Leadership also plays a critical role in shaping a nation’s approach to disarmament. When leaders exhibit empathy and a willingness to engage in dialogue, progress can be made. For example, South Korea’s former president, Moon Jae-in, adopted a diplomatic approach towards North Korea, which led to a moratorium on nuclear testing. However, with the change of leadership in South Korea in 2022, the new president, Yoon Suk-yeol, adopted a more hardline stance, leading to increased tensions and the resumption of nuclear missile tests by North Korea.

LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND EQ IN NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a key international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and encouraging disarmament. However, achieving meaningful progress under this treaty has been difficult. Countries that possess nuclear weapons are often unwilling to give them up, despite the legal obligations outlined in Article VI of the NPT, which calls for disarmament. They feel safer having them, even though they know they’re dangerous.

SO, WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

Getting rid of nuclear weapons will require citizens and their leaders to work on their EQ. Leaders, influenced by emotions such as fear, pride, and insecurity, determine the direction of their nation’s policies. When countries are governed by leaders who act on these emotions, achieving nuclear disarmament becomes difficult, if not impossible. A shift towards greater emotional intelligence and empathy in international relations is the only way to create a safer world for everyone.