Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/world/nuclear-arsenals-strengthen-intl-latam/index.html

World’s nuclear powers strengthening arsenals as geopolitical tensions grow, report finds

A new report has found that the world's nuclear powers are strengthening their arsenals amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The report, released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), indicates a global trend of increased military spending, modernization of nuclear weapons, and heightened nuclear rhetoric. The report highlights several key findings: * **Increased Global Military Spending:** Global military expenditure reached an all-time high in 2022, exceeding $2.2 trillion. This rise is attributed to the ongoing war in Ukraine, geopolitical competition, and growing regional tensions. * **Nuclear Weapon Modernization:** Major nuclear powers are modernizing their nuclear arsenals, developing new weapons systems and upgrading existing ones. This includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and the United States. The report states that these advancements are enhancing the capabilities and risks associated with nuclear weapons. * **Heightened Nuclear Rhetoric:** The report notes an increasing use of nuclear rhetoric by world leaders, which contributes to heightened nuclear tensions and risks. * **Growing Nuclear Arsenals:** The report highlights the continued growth of nuclear weapons stockpiles among several states, with Russia and the United States possessing the largest arsenals. * **Nuclear Nonproliferation Challenges:** The report also addresses the challenges in nuclear nonproliferation efforts, including the lack of progress on arms control agreements and the potential for new nuclear weapons states. The SIPRI report concludes that the current situation presents a significant challenge to global security and calls for renewed efforts to prevent nuclear war. The report emphasizes the need for diplomatic engagement, arms control negotiations, and nonproliferation measures to address the growing threat posed by nuclear weapons. The report's findings underscore the serious implications of the current global security environment, characterized by escalating tensions, arms races, and increased reliance on nuclear weapons. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation and dialogue to address these challenges and prevent catastrophic consequences.

Summary

"The report, released by SIPRI, is a stark reminder of the increasing nuclear threat posed by the world's major powers. It highlights the need for urgent action to reduce nuclear tensions and promote global security. The report calls for renewed diplomatic efforts, arms control negotiations, and nonproliferation measures to address the growing challenges posed by nuclear weapons. "

Updated at: 06.20.2024

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World’s nuclear powers strengthening arsenals as geopolitical tensions grow, report finds

The nine nuclear states are modernizing their stockpiles with China, for the first time, possibly deploying “a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime,” according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.