The Morning Edition Trump won’t shelter us. But does Australia really need nuclear weapons?
Feb 18, 2026
Peter Hartcher, international and political editor who analyzes global strategic risks. He discusses why rising nuclear tensions and erosion of US guarantees are forcing Australia to rethink its options. He explains the effects of treaty lapses, worries about renewed testing, and whether a new arms race led by China is already underway. He also covers when regional proliferation might prompt Australia to act.
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American Nuclear Umbrella Is Weakening
- The US nuclear umbrella is eroding as allies lose confidence under Trump-era signals.
- Peter Hartcher warns that rising risk from China and reduced reassurance forces allies to rethink deterrence.
Arms Control Has Become Fragile
- The end of the last US-Russia arms treaty and China's rapid build-up make nuclear limits fragile.
- Hartcher says Trump's logic to drop treaties stems from China's refusal to negotiate but it loosens global restraints.
US Nuclear Testing Is Unnecessary Risk
- Resuming nuclear tests is unnecessary for the US given its extensive historical test data.
- Hartcher warns test resumption risks loosening norms and encouraging others like Russia and China to follow suit.