In David Mitchell's book "Ghostwritten," a character named John highlights a striking hypocrisy in the way nations discuss their nuclear arsenals. He points out that countries refer to their own nuclear capabilities as 'sovereign nuclear deterrents', which has a connotation of legitimacy and self-defense. In contrast, they label the nuclear weapons possessed by other nations as 'weapons of mass destruction', implying illegitimacy and danger. This reflects a bias in international relations and the differing narratives surrounding nuclear arms.

John's observation underscores the complexity of global politics, where terminology is often manipulated to serve state interests. The distinction made between a nation's own arsenal and that of others reveals underlying tensions and justifications for military power. It raises questions about the ethical implications of nuclear weaponry and the narratives used to shape public perception and policy in the realm of international security.