In the current climate of global uncertainty, a new study has shone a light on the health of leaders of nuclear-armed countries.
Professor Nick Wilson, from the University of Otago, in New Zealand said the study found many former leaders of the world’s nine nuclear-armed nations were impaired by health conditions while in office.
Professor Wilson said this raised concerns over their decision-making abilities while they had access to nuclear weapon launch codes.
He said with the rise in international instability following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 it had become even more important to ensure there was good leadership and governance in countries with nuclear weapons.
“This is particularly the case for the United States, where a leader can in principle authorise the release of nuclear weapons on their own, a situation referred to as a ‘nuclear monarchy’.”
Professor Wilson said the study analysed the health information of 51 deceased leaders of nuclear-armed countries: China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
He said eight of the leaders died from chronic disease while still in office, five from heart attacks or strokes.
“Many of the leaders had multiple serious health issues while in office, including dementia, personality disorders, depression and drug and alcohol abuse.”
Professor Wilson said that of the leaders who left office while still alive, 15 had confirmed or possible health issues which likely hastened their departure.
“Probably all of this group of 15 leaders had their performance in office impaired by their health conditions.”
He said democracies could consider introducing term limits for their leaders, as well as recall systems, so voters could petition for politicians to step down.
“Requirements for medical and psychological assessments could be introduced for leaders before they take office, and during their terms.
“Maintaining a strong media with investigative journalists can also help expose impairment in leaders.”
Read the full study: The frequently impaired health of leaders of nuclear weapon states: an analysis of 51 deceased leaders.
