Experts warn that the United States is entering a new and more dangerous era of nuclear competition, now facing both Russia and China as major rivals. The old balance of power, once defined by mutual deterrence between Washington and Moscow, is being upended by China's rapid nuclear expansion and Russia's ongoing modernization of its vast arsenal. Joint military drills and deepening ties between Russia and China further complicate the strategic landscape, raising fears of coordinated threats.

The United States is struggling to keep pace, with its own arsenal aging and modernization efforts hampered by delays. Meanwhile, all nuclear-armed states are expanding their stockpiles and moving away from arms control agreements, according to recent reports. Experts debate whether a renewed arms build-up or global disarmament is the answer, but all agree that the risk of miscalculation or escalation is higher than ever. As the world marks the anniversary of Hiroshima, leaders warn that the threat of nuclear catastrophe is growing, and urgent action is needed to prevent disaster.