Executive Summary

Global nuclear dynamics are not as immobile as they may seem, as nuclear states modernize and develop their arsenals, while others consider nuclear proliferation as a means of deterrence. The vanguard of nuclear expansion–the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea–continues spending on nuclear weaponry and developing advanced delivery systems. Other actors–Iran, South Korea, Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia–continue to flirt with the idea of challenging non-proliferation norms to address unique security concerns over extant and potential future threats.

Widespread pressures in the global security landscape could tilt some national leaders’ decision-making in favour of nuclear weapon development, but security alliances continue to play a crucial preventive role in the emergence of new nuclear states; NATO and AUKUS, for example, provide valid alternatives to direct nuclear armament. 

Images Sourced From: IAEA