Milton
The World Risks an Uncontrolled Nuclear Arms Race
New START Treaty Nears Expiration: US and Russia Heading Towards a Full-Scale Arms Race
Concerns about an uncontrolled nuclear arms race are soaring as the New START treaty, the final nuclear disarmament agreement between the United States and Russia, is set to expire on May 5th.
Russia had offered a one-year extension, but the US has yet to give a clear response. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has signaled openness to a βlarger new dealβ that might include China, but so far, no concrete negotiations have taken place.
The situation has become even more tense after Trump ordered the US military to reconsider nuclear weapons testing, citing actions by rival countries.
New START limits each country’s deployed nuclear warheads to 1,550 and delivery vehicles to 700. However, Russia has suspended cooperation on inspections since its invasion of Ukraine, while the US has responded by not disclosing information.
Currently, the world has approximately 12,400 nuclear warheads, with the US and Russia controlling nearly 90%. China is rapidly expanding its arsenal and may have more than 1,000 by 2030.
