Five Questions with Matthew Bunn

In a Harvard Magazine interview, Professor Matthew Bunn examines the strategic implications of the New START treaty’s February 5 expiration and the pressing need to manage nuclear risks in its absence. He notes that “for the first time in half a century, we will be living in a world with no agreed limits on the United States and Russia building up their nuclear forces,” and emphasizes that accepting Russia’s proposal to temporarily remain within New START limits, even if “not a great offer,” remains a prudent step to prevent uncontrolled escalation. Bunn also highlights the growing complexity of future arms-control initiatives, shaped by China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and emerging technologies, warning that without meaningful restraint “we’ll be headed for an intense three-way competition that will be hard to stop.”