Nuclear Powers Expand Arsenals, Ending Decades of Reductions

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Full Story

Nuclear-armed nations are increasing their atomic stockpiles, a think tank reports. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warns of a new era of global threats. This shift reverses decades of nuclear reductions since the Cold War’s end in 1991.

SIPRI’s report, released Monday, highlights the buildup by nuclear powers. These states are also abandoning arms control agreements.

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The Context

The Cold War saw the U.S. and USSR amass vast nuclear arsenals. Post-1991 treaties like START reduced stockpiles significantly.

Nine countries, including the U.S., Russia, and China, possess nuclear weapons. Their modernization efforts raise risks of proliferation and conflict.

SIPRI notes the trend began as geopolitical tensions intensified globally. Rivalries like U.S.-China competition drive military investments.

Arms control pacts, once stabilizing, have been eroded by mutual distrust. Russia’s withdrawal from treaties like New START in 2023 exemplifies this.

Some argue nuclear expansion ensures deterrence against adversaries. Others fear it heightens the risk of catastrophic miscalculation.

Critics of the buildup call for renewed diplomatic efforts to limit arms. Supporters view modernization as vital for national security.