27 June – Drymen

Discussion Evening 1 – Nuclear Arms Control in an Increasingly Nationalistic World

Date: Friday, 27 June 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club, 22 Main St, Drymen, Glasgow G63 0BQ, United Kingdom

Speakers

To be determined (TBD)

Discussion Overview

The global framework for nuclear arms control is fraying. The collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, uncertainty surrounding the renewal of New START, and the growing divergence between nuclear and non-nuclear states over treaties such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) all point to a shifting landscape. At a time when nationalism is reshaping international relations, states are increasingly reluctant to accept constraints on their military capabilities, raising fundamental questions about the viability of arms control in a world where sovereignty and strategic competition take precedence over collective security.

For decades, these treaties have sought to curb nuclear proliferation, regulate nuclear testing and reduce global stockpiles, but their effectiveness is now in question. Russia’s withdrawal from arms control dialogues, China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal, and the reluctance of nuclear-armed states to engage with the TPNW highlight the limits of traditional diplomatic approaches. Meanwhile, technological advancements, such as hypersonic weapons and AI-driven targeting systems, further complicate the ability to negotiate meaningful constraints. As nuclear competition intensifies, the effectiveness of existing treaties is being tested.

Does the TPNW offer a viable alternative to the lack of progress of the NPT, or does it risk deepening the divide between nuclear and non-nuclear states? Can the principles of past arms control agreements still serve as a foundation for future negotiations, or are we entering an era where legally binding treaties are no longer seen as relevant tools for nuclear stability? This discussion will explore the realities of arms control in a world increasingly defined by geopolitical fragmentation and the pursuit of national interests over multilateral commitments.