The political divide between the nuclear-weapon states (NWS) and the non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS) is growing due to a lack of progress on nuclear disarmament. In the past few years, several negative trends have exacerbated nuclear risks and dangers. Nuclear-armed states are now relying more on strategic weapons in their security doctrines and have embarked upon modernization programs. Simultaneously, arms control is waning, and the Russo-Ukraine War has contributed to a destabilization of peace and security.

Amid these global challenges and developments, like the Ukraine crisis, a nuclear weapons build-up, and waning arms control efforts threatening to weaken the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime and disrupt the status quo, nuclear-weapons states need to focus on nuclear risk reduction measures as the necessary way forward.

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