The old global nuclear order is dead. What comes next?

The traditional global nuclear order is crumbling as South Korea and Japan consider nuclear armament, the START treaty has expired, and China is refusing to engage in arms control talks. This shift signals a dangerous relaxation of nuclear non-proliferation efforts, potentially leading to an unstable proliferation of nuclear weapons. The implications are profound, as the global community faces heightened risks of nuclear escalation and a breakdown in international security frameworks. The urgency to re-establish or create new nuclear guardrails has never been greater to prevent an arms race.