Nuclear arms control decline: U.S.-Russia treaty expiration fuels escalation risks
Original framing: “Russia tests long-range missile after U.S. nuclear treaty expires” — The Japan Times
The expiration of the New START treaty echoes the cyclical nature of arms control agreements throughout history, such as the 1972 SALT I treaty and the 1987 INF treaty. These agreements were often driven by geopolitical shifts and the balance of power, rather than genuine disarmament goals.
The expiration of the New START treaty is not an isolated event but a symptom of deeper systemic failures in global governance and arms control.
Indigenous and non-Western perspectives offer valuable insights into relational security and conflict resolution that challenge the dominant logic of nuclear deterrence. Scientific evidence and historical precedent both underscore the risks of unchecked nuclear proliferation, while civil society and grassroots movements provide a counterbalance to the militarization of international relations. To move forward, a renewed commitment to multilateralism, transparency, and inclusive dialogue is essential. Only through a systemic reimagining of security can we address the root causes of nuclear escalation and build a more peaceful world.