The Bunker – News without the nonsense Are we living through a new nuclear arms race?
Jul 25, 2025
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, dives into the chilling resurgence of nuclear threats reminiscent of the Cold War. He analyzes the pivotal role of nuclear weapons in modern conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, and discusses the growing nuclear arsenal of China, estimated at 600 warheads. The conversation highlights how nuclear capabilities influence global politics, the intricacies of international nuclear policies, and the ongoing tensions between nations like Russia and India. It's a compelling look at our precarious nuclear landscape.
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Nuclear Arms Shape Conflicts
- Nuclear weapons shape the context of modern conflicts by imposing constraints on direct military actions.
- In Ukraine, nuclear arms prevent direct confrontation between nuclear-armed states to avoid escalation.
Why Nukes Haven't Been Used
- Deterrence, luck, and a nuclear taboo have collectively prevented nuclear weapon use since WWII.
- These factors create a strategic ceiling on conflicts and stigmatize nuclear weapon deployment.
Nuclear Landscape is Changing
- Recent decades saw new nuclear powers like India, Pakistan, and North Korea emerge.
- China is expanding its arsenal drastically, reversing decades of cuts and making nuclear use more plausible.