Global nuclear arms race accelerates: 'Global security under threat'

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

Rising tensions and fears of a Third World War worldwide have led many countries to increase their nuclear weapon stockpiles. According to the 2024 report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), China, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea have increased their nuclear warhead stockpiles by more than 700 over the last 40 years.

The FAS report stated that there are a total of 12,121 nuclear warheads across nine countries worldwide. Approximately 88 percent of this stockpile is controlled by Russia and the US. The FAS noted that as of 2024, Russia possesses 5,580 nuclear warheads, while the US possesses 5,044.

The nuclear arsenals of other countries are ranked as follows: China (500), France (290), India (172), Pakistan (170), the UK (225), Israel (90), and North Korea (50). The FAS stated that the continued growth of current stockpiles poses a 'very serious security threat' to the entire world, given the ongoing international crises.

Among the countries that have increased their nuclear weapon stockpiles the most since 1986 are China, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea. China's warhead count rose from 224 to 500, while Pakistan's rose from zero to 170. India's stockpile grew from zero to 172, Israel's from 44 to 90, and North Korea's from zero to 50.

US AND RUSSIAN STOCKPILES

Russia and the US have held the vast majority of the world's nuclear weapons. However, both countries have stopped sharing strategic warhead and launcher data as required by the New START Treaty. This treaty aimed to increase US security by placing limits on intercontinental nuclear weapons.

According to the FAS report, approximately 9,585 of the 12,121 nuclear warheads worldwide are in military stockpiles. These weapons are ready to be launched from ships, submarines, or aircraft. The remaining 2,536 warheads have been retired and are awaiting dismantlement.

'HUMANITY COULD PERISH'

A team from Michigan Tech suggested in a 2018 study that the detonation of just 100 nuclear missiles could 'effectively' destroy 'society.' The team, which works on the risks posed by nuclear weapons, emphasized that if the nuclear threat were to become a reality, it would dismantle the 'socio-cultural structure.'

Evaluating the FAS report for the Daily Mail, Professor Joshua Pearce from Michigan Tech drew attention to the destructive effects of nuclear weapons and stated the following:

''If 1,000 nuclear warheads were used, even without retaliation, the aftereffects could result in the loss of 50 times as many lives as those lost on September 11.''

US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he wants to reach an agreement regarding nuclear weapons. The US claims that Iran, which does not possess nuclear weapons, has a secret nuclear program. Trump also called on Russia and China to stop the arms race.

NUCLEAR ARSENALS ARE EXPANDING

With the end of the Cold War in the 1990s and the signing of arms control treaties, the number of nuclear warheads decreased rapidly. While there were approximately 70,300 nuclear weapons worldwide in the 1980s, this number fell to 12,121 as of 2024. However, rising tensions in recent years have caused nuclear weapon stockpiles to increase once again.

According to experts, the increase in nuclear weapon stockpiles worldwide poses a major threat to the international community. The FAS emphasized that governments need to reconsider their transparency policies regarding nuclear weapons. Researchers warned that the uncontrolled increase in nuclear weapons could jeopardize global security.