President Trump's New Defense Strategy Prompts Global Nuclear Proliferation Concerns
The administration announced a new National Defense Strategy for 2026 that omits explicit mention of extended deterrence, signaling a shift toward requiring allies to take primary responsibility for their own defense. This change is prompting nations such as France, Japan, and South Korea to reconsider their nuclear capabilities, potentially triggering a proliferation cascade as allies seek more strategic autonomy. Analysts warn that the shift may undermine the decades-long nonproliferation framework established by the U.S. To address these concerns, Congress has acted legislatively to shore up regional nuclear capabilities, including the authorization of a major defense acquisition program for sea-launched cruise missiles. Meanwhile, scholars like Sharon Weiner argue that the risk of nuclear war remains high, suggesting that a full-scale ICBM battle between Russia and the U.S. could kill billions of people. Weiner advocates for a global disarmament program to protect the ecosphere and prevent a