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from Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

'What About China?' and the Threat to US–Russian Nuclear Arms Control

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In this file photo taken from undated footage distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, an intercontinental ballistic missile Avangard lifts off from a truck-mounted launcher somewhere in Russia. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the Avangard can be included in the New START arms reduction treaty with the United States.

The administration of President Donald J. Trump has consistently used fear of China to undermine nearly five decades of bipartisan consensus on US–Russian nuclear arms control. The negative consequences of these actions may last far beyond the Trump presidency. If generations of agreement between Democrats and Republicans on bilateral nuclear treaties with Russia erode, it will pose a significant setback to US national security and global stability. Future leaders may ultimately need to consider new approaches to nuclear risk reduction that preserve the benefits of the arms control regime.

Recommended citation

Allison, David M and Stephen Herzog. "'What About China?' and the Threat to US–Russian Nuclear Arms Control." Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, vol. 76. no. 4. (2020): 200–205 .

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