July 15, 2026, 9:02 am
In February 2026, the last of the Cold War-era nuclear arms limitations mechanisms, the Russia-US ‘New Start’ treaty, expired. For the first time in 70 years, we face a situation where three major powers, including China, have unchecked nuclear weapons capabilities and other nations not bound by global norms, such as North Korea, are rapidly expanding their arsenals.
Global commentary is distracted by brutal land wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. While US-China strategic competition is better understood, rising nuclear weapons threats are not. Jane lays out the current situation, possible trajectories and efforts to save the world from nuclear breakout.
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
