An American professor predicted a new arms race for the world after the start of the Start Treaty

The termination of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (START Treaty) will lead to a new arms race in the world. Peter Kuznik, an American historian and professor of history, told Izvestia about this on February 4.

"Now, if the treaty ends, a new arms race will begin, and we will double the number of nuclear warheads. In addition, the number of countries with nuclear weapons may double. We know that 73% of the South Korean population wants the country to have its own nuclear weapons," he said.

The professor added that Japan could join the list of nuclear powers. According to him, the country has large reserves of plutonium, as well as the scientific and technical ability to quickly create its own atomic weapons. At the same time, during the recent conflict, the Iranian authorities realized that the only way to protect themselves from the US invasion could be to have a nuclear arsenal, the expert added.

At the same time, the scientist noted that the American people themselves are in favor of extending the nuclear agreement with Russia.

"86% of Republicans want to extend the START-3 treaty. Overall, 92% want a new contract. Americans deserve better, and the world deserves better," concluded the historian.

Cancelled commitments: does the "death" of the START Treaty lead to a new nuclear arms race

Russia and the United States have lost the last legal obstacles to building up their arsenals.

The Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty will expire on February 5 this year.

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on February 4 that the Russian side would act in a balanced and responsible manner after the START Treaty expires. He also noted that the path to a negotiated settlement to ensure strategic stability remains open.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on February 3 that it would be very bad for strategic security if Russia and the United States remained without the START Treaty. According to him, time is rapidly decreasing, and in just a few days the world may find itself in a more dangerous situation than before.

The Japan Times newspaper reported on November 1 that Trump's decision to resume nuclear testing could trigger an arms race between the nuclear powers, from which China would benefit.

In September 2025, Putin announced the readiness of the Russian Federation to adhere to the restrictions in accordance with the START Treaty for another year after February 5, 2026.

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