The Duran Podcast New Start Treaty must be extended or else world in danger
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Feb 5, 2026 A tense rundown of why letting New START lapse could spark a dangerous nuclear arms race. They explore Russia's push to extend the treaty, recent high-level diplomatic calls, and how China’s growing arsenal complicates any deal. Discussion includes risks of proliferation in Europe, the weakening of the NPT, and calls for renewed great-power negotiation to avoid destabilization.
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New START's Expiration Risks A Nuclear Arms Race
- The expiration of New START removes inspections and arms-limitation talks, risking a new nuclear arms race between major powers.
- Alexander Mercouris argues extending START for a year would have preserved stability while negotiating broader limits including China.
Historical Trail From 1959 Arms Talks To Today
- Alexander Mercouris recounts the history of arms control beginning in 1959 through START and the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty.
- He contrasts that long record of treaties with today's sudden lack of limits following START's lapse.
China's Buildup Upends Two-Party Arms Talks
- China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal, changing the strategic balance that START addressed between the US and Russia.
- Alexander Mercouris says US reluctance to limit arsenals without China reflects fear of being outnumbered by a US–Russia deal plus China.