Former President Trump Calls for New Nuclear Arms Treaty After New START Expires

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Trump Advocates for Negotiating a New Nuclear Disarmament Treaty Post-New START Expiration

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a clear call for the formulation of a new nuclear disarmament treaty, following the expiration of the New START Treaty, which had served as a cornerstone of nuclear arms control efforts between the United States and Russia. Trump has articulated his belief that global powers, particularly the U.S. and Russia, should engage in a negotiating process to establish a new framework aimed at enhancing strategic stability and mitigating escalating nuclear risks in an increasingly complex world.

The New START Treaty, signed in 2010 and entering into force in 2011, was the last major agreement remaining between the world's two largest nuclear powers. It set limits on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and the delivery systems—bombers and submarines—that each nation could possess. With its expiration in February 2021, numerous countries and observers expressed deep concern about the potential vacuum in arms control and the possibility of a new arms race. The treaty's verification mechanisms were crucial for building confidence and ensuring compliance.

In recent remarks, Trump indicated that the existing treaty might be insufficient or outdated for current security challenges. He advocated for "improving" the treaty's content, suggesting a need to incorporate new aspects or revise existing provisions to align with the evolving geopolitical landscape. This could potentially include the necessity of engaging other nuclear-armed nations, such as China, in future agreements to ensure their comprehensiveness and effectiveness. Such improvements might also encompass more robust verification and monitoring mechanisms to bolster mutual trust.

Trump's call emerges at a sensitive juncture. On one hand, the world is witnessing a resurgence of geopolitical tensions among major powers, making arms control dialogue more challenging yet simultaneously more critical. On the other hand, rapid technological advancements in weaponry, including hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence, pose new challenges to traditional arms control frameworks. The absence of a comprehensive and effective treaty could lead to increased strategic uncertainty and potentially prompt nations to escalate their military spending and develop their nuclear capabilities, thereby heightening risk levels.

While Trump has not detailed the specific "improvements" he proposes, his call presents an opportunity to reopen the discussion on the future of nuclear arms control. Engaging the U.S. and Russia in constructive negotiations, while considering the interests of all stakeholders, is paramount. Any new treaty should aim not only to limit existing arsenals but also to prevent nuclear proliferation, enhance transparency, and foster mutual confidence. Furthermore, the possibility of expanding the treaty's scope to include new types of weapons or additional parties could strengthen its long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

It remains to be seen whether this call will resonate with current and future administrations and whether it will translate into a tangible diplomatic initiative. However, the emphasis on the need for a new treaty reflects a growing recognition that global nuclear security demands a sustained commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation, especially in light of the complex security challenges facing the world today. Revitalizing the dialogue on nuclear arms control and laying the groundwork for a modern, comprehensive treaty could be a crucial step towards averting the worst-case scenarios and ensuring a more secure future for all.

Ekhbary News Agency