ABSTRACT
The nuclear-weapon states are modernizing their arsenals at the same time as the non-nuclear states have approved a treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. The conflict between deterrence and disarmament is in the open, and the risk of a nuclear war is publicly debated. Nuclear diplomacy is endangered, as Iran’s nuclear deal is on life support, and negotiations with North Korea at a standstill. The Soviet military ministries disappeared almost overnight, and the military-industrial complex was disbanded and reconstituted under the ministry of industry. Orders for new weapons systems and related production ceased and were replaced by orders to convert military technology and industries to civilian uses. While a divide is being constructed, the technologies are the same as demonstrated by nuclear explosions and uranian enrichment. A seconday distinction is created by the way the international control is managed.
