Nuclear Weapons, Multipolarity and Emerging Security Risks

Current issues surrounding nuclear weapons remain critical to global security. The persistence of nuclear arsenals among major powers, coupled with evolving military strategies, raises concerns about potential conflict escalation. Modernization programs in countries like the U.S., Russia, and China challenge the already fragile strategic stability. Regional tensions in areas like South Asia and the Korean Peninsula further exacerbate risks, as states like North Korea pursue advanced capabilities while others, such as Pakistan and India, expand their stockpiles amid geopolitical rivalries. The desire for nuclear proliferation is driven by perceptions of strategic imbalance or threats, as seen in Iran’s contested nuclear program, which has sparked debates over regional security in the Middle East. Efforts to curb proliferation, including the NPT regime and other diplomatic initiatives face hurdles due to geopolitical mistrust and enforcement challenges. Emerging security threats and rise of new actors add complexity to such inhibition mechanisms, potentially reducing human oversight in high-stakes scenarios. The renewed arms race and the erosion of key agreements underscore the need for robust diplomatic engagement, yet geopolitical competition often stymies such efforts. Addressing these interconnected challenges demands global cooperation and innovative solutions to reduce the existential threat posed by nuclear conflict.