The movie ‘Oppenheimer,’ released worldwide in the summer, coincides with the United Nations’ 78th anniversary and the genesis of nuclear weapons, all linked to the San Francisco Bay Area. Two atomic blasts in August 1945 killed thousands in Japan, causing immediate and slow deaths from burns, radiation sickness, leukemia, and thyroid cancer. Decision-makers were Truman, Stimson, and Oppenheimer. The first bomb was authorized by Truman, the second unleashed on August 9 by Stimson, and another, aiming for quick Japanese defeat and showcasing US power. Oppenheimer’s role was crucial, testing uranium-based “Little Boy” and plutonium-based “Fat Man” bombs.
The summer of 1945 also hosted WW2 allied leaders in San Francisco to determine the global future. Thousands attended, including Russians on their ship. The UN’s goal was global unity and war prevention, though many nations weren’t invited. The city was the spotlight, with meetings and lobbying. The UN formed on June 26, 1945, representing nations, lacking people’s voice or robust enforcement. The veto power of the Security Council hindered its mission.
Today’s UN advocates rights and cooperation, yet its Security Council failed to prevent wars or tackle modern issues like climate change and AI governance. The San Francisco Conference highlighted UN flaws, leading to Article 109 paragraph 3 in the Charter, promising a democratic transformation in a decade. However, this “San Francisco Promise” remains unfulfilled, as no Charter review has occurred.
The movie “Oppenheimer” has sparked intriguing responses in Japan due to its delayed release and the context of World War II history. While Japan hasn’t outright banned the film, it hasn’t set a release date either, leading to speculation about the country’s complex perspectives on the war. In contrast to Japan’s hesitance, “Oppenheimer” is making its debut in theaters worldwide, including the US, Canada, UK, India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Turkey. The portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life and the pivotal role he played in the Manhattan Project has stirred discussions about the atomic bomb’s ethical implications. In the US, the movie has triggered debates on the bomb’s status as a war crime, revealing the enduring relevance of the historical event.
The legacy of Oppenheimer, characterized by a single nation wielding two devastating atomic bombs, has expanded its reach to fourteen countries that possess nuclear weapons. This arsenal carries the ominous potential for nuclear obliteration on a global scale, a constant threat looming over us. Furthermore, the global allocation of $2trn each year towards military readiness instead of addressing pressing issues like climate change and poverty is a glaring failure. This failure was traced back to the violation of the San Francisco Promise and its repercussions. This breach has hindered the crucial advancement toward a next-generation United Nations that can effectively address urgent global challenges.
Shahryar M. Sharei: Ph.D. International Law. Executive Director, Center for UN Constitutional Research.
Suchismita Pattanaik: Ph.D. Resident Research Fellow, Center for UN Constitutional Research – Brussels, Belgium.
