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The Rising Risk of Nuclear War
The risk of nuclear war has been steadily climbing in recent years. Escalating geopolitical tensions, the erosion of nuclear arms control agreements, and the proliferation of advanced military technologies have all contributed to dangerous global security . The normalization of nuclear threats, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has magnified concerns that the post-Cold War nuclear guardrails are no longer sufficient to prevent disaster.
This article explores the factors contributing to the risk of nuclear war, focusing on Russia’s aggressive posturing, the growing nuclear ambitions of other states like China, Iran, and North Korea, and the role of advancing technology. It also examines the potential consequences of this trend and outlines steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk.
The Erosion of Nuclear Guardrails
For decades, nuclear arms control agreements and international norms have played a critical role in reducing the risk of nuclear war. Treaties such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and New START imposed constraints on nuclear arsenals, ensured transparency, and fostered stability between nuclear powers. However, these agreements are now deteriorating due to geopolitical rivalries.
