ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the extent to which the Trump Administration’s nuclear strategy, encompassing nuclear modernisation and a clear disdain for arms control mechanisms and the nuclear non-proliferation regime, contributed to the undermining of international security. Whilst there are substantially fewer nuclear weapons today than during the Cold War era, the nuclear security threat remains prevalent. Clearly, Trump’s preparedness to end reciprocally beneficial agreements to placate his domestic base did not augur well for global stability. Many considered the American INF departure as a precursor to the Trump Administration’s desire to terminate yet another Obama signature agreement. The Joe Biden Administration’s quick declaration of its objective to the seminal treaty’s extension was no doubt motivated by the limited amount of time available before its expiration. Biden Administration officials underscored that the extension would also provide time and space to engage in future talks on new arms control arrangements.
