Final answer:
George Wales' quote reflects the Cold War concept of nuclear deterrence, where atomic bombs are meant to prevent other nations from deploying nuclear weapons, achieving peace through the threat of mutual destruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote by George Wales, “the only use for an atomic bomb is to keep somebody else from using one”, underscores the concept of deterrence that became central to international relations during the Cold War era. The development of atomic weapons introduced a new form of military power that carried the potential for catastrophic destruction.
The atomic bomb was first used by the United States during World War II with devastating effects on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to Japan's surrender and the end of the war. Soon after, other countries, including the Soviet Union, developed their own nuclear capabilities, raising concerns about the threat of mutual annihilation.
As a result, the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) emerged, where the possession of a large nuclear arsenal by opposing powers prevents the use of nuclear weapons due to the guarantee of reciprocal and catastrophic damage.
The deterrent value of nuclear weapons implies that their primary purpose is not to be used offensively in warfare, but rather to prevent other nations from using theirs, thus maintaining a precarious balance of power. Hence, George Wales' quote captures the ironic nature of nuclear arms as instruments of peace through the threat of unparalleled devastation.