The “New Start” of the Russian-American race for nuclear arsenals
The New start treaty on intercontinental missile which was due to expire in February 2021 has finally been extended for five years, much to the relief of many. However, the upcoming negotiations for nuclear arms control are going to be most difficult. With the end of the inf Treaty on Intermediate-Range Forces in August 2019 and the current reinvestment in these formerly banned weapons, talks are taking place in a context where arm race is intensifying. But what is its underlying logic ? To answer the question, this article traces its roots back to the early 2000s, against the backdrop of nato enlargement and the deployment of the missile defence shield. It then explores the consequences of the renegotiation of power relations that took place during the Ukrainian and Syrian conflicts. Finally, it considers the impact of the Donald Trump’s presidency, for whom it is no longer Russia, but communist China, that poses the main threat to American interests.