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Economist Podcasts

Upping arms: the new three-way nuclear race

Sep 5, 2023
Anton LaGuardia, The Economist's diplomatic editor, discusses the precarious state of nuclear arms control amid China’s expanding arsenal, emphasizing the need for communication to prevent an arms race. Shailesh Chitnes, a global business correspondent, explores the rise of rickshaw apps in Bangalore, showcasing how tech is reshaping Indian urban transport. They also touch on alarming absenteeism rates in U.S. schools post-pandemic, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by students and the systemic issues that contribute to this crisis.
22:26

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Quick takeaways

  • The breakdown of nuclear arms control treaties and the rise of new technological advancements in missile systems contribute to an unstable and dangerous global nuclear arms race.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a concerning rise in chronic absenteeism in American schools, particularly affecting low-income students, and addressing the root causes with social services and family engagement is essential to improving attendance rates and ensuring access to education.

Deep dives

Dangers of Nuclear Arms Control Breakdown

The breakdown of nuclear arms control treaties and the rise of new technological advancements in missile systems, such as hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence, are contributing to a more unstable and dangerous global nuclear arms race. The war in Ukraine, China's increasing nuclear stockpiles, and the expiration of the New START treaty further exacerbate this situation. The lack of communication and cooperation between the major nuclear powers, especially the United States, Russia, and China, has created an unpredictable and delicate balance of three-way deterrence. The urgent need for dialogue and negotiations on arms control is crucial, with hopes that the major powers will engage in talks and prevent an escalation of nuclear tensions.

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