The risk of nuclear war is currently at its highest since the Cuban Missile Crisis, according to Matthew Bunn, a Harvard professor of energy, national security, and foreign policy. In an editorial published in the scientific journal Science, Bunn urged global leaders to seek help from a new generation of scientists and engineers to prevent such a conflict.
Bunn highlighted several alarming developments contributing to the heightened risk. He pointed to Russia’s nuclear threats amid the Ukraine conflict, China’s construction of missile silos, North Korea’s missile testing, ongoing nuclear rivalry between India and Pakistan, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Additionally, the 2010 New START Treaty, which limits U.S. and Russian nuclear forces, is set to expire in 2026, with no new negotiations underway.
“Dark clouds loom on the nuclear horizon, with threats from all directions,” Bunn wrote. “The world could soon face an unrestrained arms competition for the first time in over five decades—and a more complex one involving more countries and more technologies.”
Bunn’s warnings come at a time when many Americans are focused on other global threats, such as climate change and artificial intelligence. However, the potential for nuclear conflict remains a critical concern. The heightened tensions, particularly regarding Ukraine, have raised fears of escalation that could lead to a catastrophic outcome.
Adding to the concerns, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić recently warned of a “real disaster” if major powers do not deescalate the situation in Ukraine. He emphasized that both the West and Russia have too much at stake to afford a loss, increasing the likelihood of a prolonged and dangerous conflict.
The global nuclear arsenal remains substantial, with over 12,000 nuclear weapons worldwide. The United States possesses approximately 5,100 warheads, while Russia has about 5,580. Other nuclear-armed nations include China, the United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel.
Given the precarious international landscape, Bunn and other experts call for renewed focus on arms control and non-proliferation efforts. Eric Weinstein, a mathematical physicist and popular podcaster, has suggested resuming nuclear testing to remind the world of the devastating power of these weapons.
The current geopolitical tensions underscore the urgent need for effective diplomacy and international cooperation to prevent the unthinkable. As Bunn and other experts warn, failure to address these issues could result in unparalleled destruction, making it imperative for global leaders to act swiftly and decisively.
