This talk explores how centralised decision-making, weakened transparency and nationalist ideology increase miscalculation risks in an already fragile global order. It also examines the breakdown of key agreements such as the New START and the implications for crisis stability. Finally, it outlines pragmatic pathways to reduce nuclear danger – revitalized arms control, multilateral risk-reduction mechanisms, and renewed diplomatic engagement – before today’s volatile landscape turns deterrence failure into catastrophe.

Dr Becky Alexis-Martin FRGS CIEH FHEA, University of Bradford