Nuclear Jungle closes in: Trump’s intention to end the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty is alarming, but it’s not the only sign of a global arms race

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-16-2018

Journal

London Free Press

Abstract

The article discusses the alarming intention of U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signaling a new global arms race. This move, along with the abandonment of the nuclear agreement with Iran, marks a dangerous trend as both the U.S. and Russia, holding 95% of the world's nuclear arsenal, continue to modernize their nuclear weapons. The article highlights the potential proliferation of nuclear weapons among other countries like India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and possibly Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The collapse of various arms control treaties, such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, Chemical Weapons Convention, and Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention, exacerbates the situation. Despite the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, no nuclear-armed states or NATO allies have signed it. The increasing risk of accidental or limited nuclear war could lead to catastrophic global consequences, including nuclear winter and a worldwide food crisis. The article underscores the urgent need for renewed arms control talks to prevent further escalation.

Notes

First published in London Free Press