GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

The return of the nuclear threat, with Admiral James Stavridis

7 snips
Jul 12, 2025
Admiral James Stavridis, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and foreign policy analyst, joins the discussion on the rising nuclear threats in today's world. He warns of a chaotic arms race, with China rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities while Russia continues its aggressive stance. The conversation highlights the fragility of current deterrence strategies and the intricate dynamics of U.S. military support in Ukraine. Stavridis emphasizes the need for strong alliances and renewed arms control talks to navigate this precarious landscape.
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INSIGHT

Rising Nuclear Proliferation Risks

  • Nuclear proliferation is likely to increase due to diminished trust in the U.S. nuclear umbrella and lowered technological barriers.
  • Countries like Japan, South Korea, Poland, Germany, and Saudi Arabia are seriously considering developing their own nuclear arsenals.
INSIGHT

Proxy War with Nuclear Power

  • We are already involved in a proxy war with a nuclear power in Ukraine.
  • Nuclear use by Putin is unlikely unless he perceives a direct threat to his regime or personal survival.
ANECDOTE

Zelensky-Trump Diplomatic Shift

  • Zelensky’s relationship with Trump evolved from an icy White House meeting to a warm 45-minute conversation at NATO.
  • Zelensky’s diplomatic recalibration impressed Western Europeans, improving Ukraine’s support among allies.
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