The article examines the pervasive fear of nuclear war, attributing its narrative largely to American culture and history. It discusses how concepts surrounding nuclear apocalypse were shaped in the United States, particularly through various popular media and cultural references, such as the song 'We Didn’t Start the Fire' by Billy Joel. The author emphasizes that the foundational ideas about nuclear arms races and global instability were produced in America and have continued to influence global discourse on the subject.

Moreover, the piece highlights the role of American institutions in advancing the sense of imminent nuclear threat, particularly mentioning the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the creation of the Doomsday Clock. The Doomsday Clock stands as a prominent symbol of humanity's proximity to nuclear catastrophe, and its inception took place shortly after significant events in nuclear history, such as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The narrative suggests that the creation of such symbolism reflects not only a reaction to the nuclear capabilities developed in the US but also a broader societal willingness to engage with the anxieties of global warfare.

In a broader context, the article invites readers to reflect on how this American-centric narrative of nuclear fear has shaped international attitudes and policies towards nuclear weapons. It questions whether the global community can shift the conversation away from a purely American perspective on nuclear threats and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of how these symbolic and cultural inheritances affect global security policies today.