Economist Podcasts Upping arms: the new three-way nuclear race
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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.
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Two-Player Deterrence
- The Cold War's nuclear deterrence model involved two main players, the US and the Soviet Union.
- This model relied on mutually assured destruction, preventing escalation through fear of retaliation.
Three-Player Nuclear Arms Race
- A new, more complex nuclear arms race is emerging, featuring three major players.
- This is driven by factors like the war in Ukraine, China's nuclear buildup, and the breakdown of arms control.
Breakdown of Arms Control
- The breakdown of nuclear arms control is linked to rivalry over Ukraine and China's disinterest in arms control agreements.
- China views arms control as a constraint on its rise and a license for US risk-taking.