Would Nuclear Weapons be Effective Against Zombies in a Zombie Apocalypse?

The scenario of a zombie apocalypse is often the subject of many discussions, with various theories and suggested strategies for survival. One critical question in this context is: would a president or military leader consider using nuclear weapons against zombies, and if so, what would be the appropriate circumstances?

Options for the Use of Nuclear Weapons Against Zombies

While some may argue that nuclear weapons would be the most effective way to eliminate zombies, two main scenarios can be considered. First, there is the scenario where the primary goal is to destroy the zombies. This includes situations where there is a surplus of nuclear weapons that could be better used to neutralize the threat, rather than keeping them in a vulnerable state. In a high-stress environment, with the certainty of losing control over nukes, it might be safer to destroy them in a non-populated area, such as a desert, rather than risking unauthorized use. Second, nuclear weapons could be used to contain a zombie outbreak in a densely populated area, such as a large city or a military camp surrounded by zombies. By using a nuclear weapon, the large number of zombies could be quickly dispatched, thereby preventing their population from doubling and spreading further.

The Ineffectiveness of Nuclear Weapons Against Zombies

Contrary to popular belief, nuclear weapons would not be an effective weapon against zombies in most scenarios. Primarily, the destructive power of a nuclear weapon lies in its ability to incinerate and cause concussive damage to living beings, but zombies are already dead and thus resistant to such effects. The only possible effect a nuclear weapon would have on zombies is incineration near the center and the concussive blast, both of which are limited in scope. Additionally, the radioactive fallout, which can spread for dozens of miles, would be far more dangerous. Zombies would not be killed by this radiation; instead, they would become radioactive, extending the threat and causing additional harm to survivors.

A More Strategic Approach

In a large city, the most effective strategy for dealing with zombies would involve a combination of non-lethal and strategic measures. Here are some steps that could be taken:

Drop leaflets and small gravel to grab the attention of people in buildings. The leaflets should contain essential information about impending military strikes and safe evacuation routes. At the same time, helicopters could use loudspeakers to broadcast these messages to cover a broader area.

Deploy large helicopters to play sounds over large speakers, drawing zombies towards military locations. This strategy would allow targeted and controlled strikes, reducing collateral damage to civilians and infrastructure.

The military should carefully coordinate their movements with the evacuation process to ensure that civilians are safely evacuated before the strikes occur.

Scenario Analysis and Ethical Considerations

In many zombie scenarios, the use of nuclear weapons might seem like a plausible military response. However, in a hypothetical situation where the zombies are located within American territory, it is difficult to imagine any government allowing the use of such a weapon, regardless of the severity of the situation. The potential for widespread radioactive contamination and civilian casualties would make such an action highly controversial and ethically questionable.

On the other hand, if the zombies were in North Korea, the situation might be different. Given the tension and geopolitical dynamics between the United States and North Korea, a military strike might be more feasible within the scope of international norms and political negotiations. However, even in such a scenario, the decision would need to be carefully weighed against the potential risks and moral implications.