Donald Trump shakes up the global nuclear order, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• On October 30, 2025, Donald Trump announced the potential resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing.
• The announcement raised concerns about the future of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the global nuclear order.
• The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire on February 4, 2026.
• China's nuclear arsenal is rapidly expanding, estimated to exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030.

Detailed Insights:

• The global nuclear order faces strain due to the potential resumption of nuclear testing and the expansion of nuclear arsenals.
• The CTBT, signed by 187 countries, has not entered into force due to a lack of ratification by key nations, including the U.S. and China.
• The U.S. has been developing new warheads, including the B61-13 gravity bomb and the W76-2 warhead, while Russia and China are also modernizing their nuclear capabilities.
• Resumption of explosive testing could lead to the demise of the CTBT and the unravelling of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime.
• India, which has observed a voluntary moratorium since 1998, may resume testing to validate its nuclear designs if explosive testing resumes globally.
• The UN Secretary General has cautioned against actions that could lead to miscalculation or escalation with catastrophic consequences.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
• Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): A treaty prohibiting all nuclear weapon test explosions.
• New START: A nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia, limiting strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.