THE NEW ARMS RACE.

The article discusses the potential for South Korea and Japan to pursue nuclear weapons in response to increasing regional threats, particularly from North Korea and China, as American influence wanes. It highlights the historical context of nuclear proliferation in East Asia, detailing South Korea's past attempts to develop its own arsenal and the current public sentiment favoring nuclear armament. The piece also examines the implications of a nuclear arms race in the region, including the potential reactions from Japan and the broader consequences for global non-proliferation efforts. The narrative is framed through personal accounts, particularly that of a Hiroshima survivor, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of nuclear weapons in contemporary geopolitics. [Extracted from the article]