Boliva: Safe Haven Or Nuclear Target?

With the world's nuclear tensions rising, many people are considering the safest places to be in the event of a nuclear war. Bolivia has ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons. It has also promoted universal adherence to the treaty. While this makes Bolivia a nuclear-safe country, its location in the Northern Hemisphere may not provide the best protection from nuclear fallout. Experts suggest that the Southern Hemisphere may be a safer bet, as it has fewer valuable targets, major industrial nations, and nuclear weapons.

Bolivia has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Bolivia has signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). It was among the first 50 states to become a party to the treaty when it entered into force on 22 January 2021. Bolivia's then-president Evo Morales signed the TPNW in New York on 16 April 2018, and Sacha Sergio Llorentty Solíz, the then-permanent representative of Bolivia to the United Nations, deposited the instrument of ratification with the UN secretary-general on 6 August 2019—the 74th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Bolivia was the 25th state to ratify or accede to the TPNW.

In accordance with Article 2 of the TPNW, Bolivia submitted a declaration to the UN secretary-general on 18 February 2021, confirming that it does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons, has never done so, and does not host any other state's nuclear weapons on its territory. Bolivia has consistently promoted universal adherence to the TPNW, as outlined in Article 12, by co-sponsoring and voting in favour of an annual UN General Assembly resolution since 2018, urging all states to sign, ratify, or accede to the treaty.

Bolivia has actively participated in meetings of states parties to the TPNW, including the first meeting in 2022, where it emphasised the need for effective steps towards the total prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons. Bolivia also attended the second meeting in 2023, reiterating its commitment to the TPNW and the Vienna Action Plan. Additionally, Bolivia played a role in negotiating the TPNW at the United Nations in New York in 2017 and voted in favour of its adoption, aligning with its stance as a pacifist state that rejects the manufacture of nuclear weapons.

Bolivia's endorsement of the TPNW demonstrates its commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, contributing to the implementation of the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty. By signing and ratifying the TPNW, Bolivia has taken concrete steps to strengthen the global norm against nuclear weapons and promote international peace and security.

The country has no nuclear weapons

Bolivia is a nuclear-weapon-free state. The country has signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which came into force on 22 January 2021. Bolivia was the 25th state to ratify or accede to the TPNW.

In accordance with Article 2 of the TPNW, Bolivia submitted a declaration to the UN secretary-general on 18 February 2021, confirming that it does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons, has never done so, and does not host any other state's nuclear weapons on its territory. Bolivia has also promoted universal adherence to the TPNW and has consistently voted in favour of an annual UN General Assembly resolution since 2018, calling upon all states to sign, ratify, or accede to the treaty as soon as possible.

Bolivia has referred to nuclear weapons as "the most inhumane weapons ever conceived, as their deadly impact lasts for decades". The country has also stated that it is "neither defensible nor sustainable" for countries to argue that nuclear weapons are necessary for their security. Bolivia has expressed its determination to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons, and the entry into force of the TPNW in 2021 renewed its hope that nuclear weapons would be completely eliminated.

In summary, Bolivia has taken a strong stance against nuclear weapons and has actively worked towards their elimination. The country has no nuclear weapons and has committed to maintaining a nuclear-weapon-free status.

Bolivia is in South America, a safer hemisphere

In the event of a nuclear war, Bolivia's location in South America could offer some strategic advantages in terms of safety. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, Bolivia is far removed from areas of conflict and tension that could potentially trigger a nuclear exchange. It is not situated in regions with escalating geopolitical tensions, such as Eastern Europe, East Asia, or South Asia. This distance from conflict zones reduces the likelihood of Bolivia being directly targeted in a nuclear exchange.

Secondly, South America, in general, has fewer valuable targets for nuclear strikes compared to other regions. The continent has a lower concentration of major industrial nations, large urban centres, and nuclear weapons compared to regions like North America, Europe, or Asia. This makes it a less attractive target for nuclear attacks, increasing the safety of countries like Bolivia.

Additionally, Bolivia has taken proactive steps towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The country has signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and does not possess or host nuclear weapons on its territory. This commitment to a nuclear-free status enhances Bolivia's image as a neutral and peaceful nation, further reducing its likelihood of being targeted in a nuclear conflict.

Moreover, Bolivia's geographical characteristics could provide some protection in the event of a nuclear war. The country is landlocked and surrounded by other South American nations, creating a natural buffer zone. Additionally, the Andes Mountains, which cover a significant portion of Bolivia, could offer some shielding from the effects of a nuclear blast, especially for populations living in high-altitude regions.

However, it is important to remember that in the event of a large-scale nuclear exchange, no place on Earth would be completely safe from the far-reaching effects of nuclear radiation and the subsequent disruption to the global climate and environment. While Bolivia's location in South America may offer some strategic advantages, it is not a guarantee of absolute safety. The best strategy to avoid nuclear war is through global nuclear disarmament, diplomacy, and conflict resolution, rather than relying solely on geographic factors.

It is not a major power base for the US military

Bolivia is not a major power base for the US military. While the US has had a history of military involvement in Bolivia, it has not been a prominent feature of the country's politics in recent years.

Historically, the US has been wary of Bolivia falling under the influence of socialist or communist ideologies, and has therefore taken steps to intervene in the country's internal affairs. One notable example of this was in the 1960s, when the US sent its Army Special Forces, known as the "Green Berets," to Bolivia to help counter Che Guevara's socialist revolution. The Green Berets trained the Bolivian military in counterinsurgency tactics and provided them with weapons and other aid. This intervention ultimately led to the defeat of Guevara's insurgency and his execution by the Bolivian Army in 1967.

However, in more recent times, the US military presence in Bolivia has been less significant. The country has taken steps to distance itself from US influence and has even ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), confirming that it does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons and will not host any other state's nuclear weapons on its territory. This suggests that Bolivia is not a major power base for the US military, at least not in the sense of housing strategic weapons.

Furthermore, Bolivia's recent political history has been marked by a rejection of US-backed coups and a return to left-wing, socialist governments. In 2020, the democratically elected socialist government of Evo Morales was overthrown by the military with alleged support from the US and the Organization of American States (OAS). However, this coup was met with widespread condemnation, and Bolivia has since elected a new left-wing president, Luis Arce, suggesting a continued rejection of US influence in the country.

Therefore, while the US has had a history of military involvement in Bolivia, it cannot be considered a major power base for the US military, especially in the context of a potential nuclear war.

Bolivia is not a target for nuclear weapons

Secondly, Bolivia is not considered a valuable target for nuclear weapons due to its geographical location and lack of large urban centres and nuclear power plants. It is located in South America, which is generally considered a safer region in the event of a nuclear war. According to experts, the southern hemisphere is a safer bet during a nuclear war because there are fewer valuable targets, fewer major industrial nations, and fewer nuclear weapons.

Thirdly, Bolivia has a relatively small population and is not considered a significant global player in terms of military or political power. This makes it less likely to be targeted in a nuclear conflict.

Finally, Bolivia has a history of being a pacifist state and has expressed its commitment to achieving the purposes of the TPNW and the measures adopted in the Vienna Action Plan. The country has also endorsed a "humanitarian pledge" to cooperate in efforts to stigmatise, prohibit, and eliminate nuclear weapons.

In conclusion, Bolivia is not a target for nuclear weapons due to its nuclear-free status, geographical location, lack of large urban centres, and its commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament.

Frequently asked questions