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For the first time in decades, countries possessing the world’s largest nuclear arsenals are operating without formal constraints. The New START treaty, the last major arms control agreement between the united States and Russia, expired on February 4, 2026, without renewal[[[[U.S. Department of State]. This has raised concerns about a potential resurgence in the nuclear arms race and a decrease in global security.
The History of Nuclear arms Control
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was first signed in 1991, amidst fears of a global catastrophe reminiscent of the Cold War. it marked the beginning of a series of bilateral and multilateral agreements aimed at reducing nuclear stockpiles. Successive treaties followed, but the expiration of the New START treaty represents a important setback for arms control[[[[Arms Control Association].
Under the New START treaty, the U.S.and Russia were limited to a maximum of 1,550 strategically deployed warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. Critically,the agreement allowed for inspections of each othre’s nuclear facilities,providing openness and verification. Russia suspended participation in these inspections in 2023 following increased tensions linked to the war in Ukraine[[[[Reuters].
Political Obstacles to Renewal
Then-president Donald Trump expressed skepticism about renewing New START,stating in January 2024 that “if it expires,it expires”[[[[The New York Times]. He advocated for a new agreement that included China, citing its growing nuclear arsenal. Though, negotiations did not progress.
President Biden attempted to extend the treaty, achieving a five-year extension in 2021.In September 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an informal one-year extension, which Trump initially described as “an excellent idea” but did not actively pursue[[[[AFP].
Growing Concerns and International Reaction