>>12468388They've been good for stability in the industrialized world so far. The fact that there's been no major wars between great powers since 1945 is absolutely a good thing. Obviously, this stability hasn't done much for poorer states caught up in the opposing schemes of the major players, but life was going to be shitty for them regardless.
On the other hand, nuclear weapons have prevented powerful countries from resolving their differences in a direct manner, which may prove to be a problem long term. Sanctions, proxy wars, and diplomatic measures can only do so much. If tensions between nations can't be reduced through open conflict due to fears of nuclear retaliation, that pressure is liable to build to a point where a much more brutal conflict becomes inevitable.
