The New START agreement, which has regulated strategic nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia, is set to expire in early February. This situation raises significant concerns about arms control, as both nations have maintained a delicate balance of power since the Cold War. The author, Anna Gerda Nurmetalo, discusses how this lapse will add complexity to security strategies for both countries, emphasizing the historical context of nuclear weapon destructiveness learned from World War II.

With the experience of the devastation caused by atomic bombings in World War II, countries are acutely aware of the catastrophic potential of nuclear arsenals. The cessation of the New START agreement signals a pivotal moment that may result in increased tensions and potential arms races, encouraging both the US and Russia to rethink their defense strategies as they navigate the uncertain landscape of international relations in the nuclear age.

Moreover, this expiration could either lead to an escalation of arms control crises or potentially spur the two nations to negotiate new agreements that address modern geopolitical realities. The outcome remains uncertain, but the implications of failing to renew or replace the New START agreement could have far-reaching consequences not only for Russia and the US but also for global security as a whole.