Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters How To Prevent Weapons of Mass Destruction in a Changing Geopolitical and Military Landscape | Global Catastrophic Risks
Mar 30, 2026
Michael Wernstedt, head of Common Security at the Global Challenges Foundation, outlines geopolitical fragmentation and governance fixes. Wilfred Wan, director of SIPRI’s WMD Programme, explains multi-domain escalation and vulnerabilities to nuclear forces. They discuss AI risks in military decision-making, treaty gaps, and diplomatic openings for stronger global coordination.
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Geopolitical Fragmentation Raises WMD Risk
- Geopolitical fragmentation and weakening post-Cold War order increases WMD risks.
- Michael Wernstedt links rising nationalism, failed prosperity promises, and the end of unipolarity to more conflicts and weakened norms.
New START Expiry Signals Strategic Shift
- The end of New START and changing nuclear doctrines signal a strategic shift toward increased arsenals and lower thresholds.
- Wilfred Wan notes stockpiles rising for the first time in 40 years and doctrine erosion, especially in Russia.
Multi-Domain Warfare Creates New Escalation Paths
- Multi-domain escalation multiplies pathways from conventional conflict to nuclear use.
- Wilfred Wan highlights cyber, space, AI, drones and information operations that entangle conventional and nuclear capabilities.