Irredentism and neo-imperialism among nuclear powers have sharply raised global threat perceptions over the past five years
With the US–Russia New START treaty expiring and no replacement in sight, limits on nuclear stockpiles have effectively disappeared
Nine nuclear-armed states now possess 12,241 warheads, with over 9,600 in military stockpiles, according to SIPRI
China’s arsenal is the fastest growing, while India, Pakistan, and others continue modernisation amid rising regional tensions
Nuclear weapons do not prevent conflict but embed constant escalation risks, especially under hyper-nationalist leaderships
The expiry of New START creates an opportunity to push for a global, multilateral disarmament framework beyond bilateral treaties