The international ⁤security landscape is undergoing a ⁤significant shift as Russia’s nuclear strategy‍ evolves. ‍A critical⁢ juncture⁤ is approaching:⁢ the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia is set to expire in February of next year. This⁣ expiration coincides with a demonstrable change in Russian nuclear​ behavior,​ exhibiting patterns unseen even during the height ⁣of the Cold War.

Moscow is ‍actively reshaping its nuclear posture, characterized by increased strategic signaling, the forging⁤ of new international partnerships, ⁤and a rapid pace of technological innovation in ⁢the nuclear sphere. ⁢ This isn’t simply about maintaining a deterrent; Russia is increasingly utilizing both ⁣its civil and military nuclear capabilities as instruments to challenge established security frameworks​ and exert ​influence over regional dynamics through‌ expanded collaborations. This represents a⁣ broader, and concerning, trend towards heightened‍ brinkmanship​ as a core ​component of⁣ the Kremlin’s foreign policy and security objectives.

Understanding the nuances of Russia’s⁢ evolving nuclear⁤ capabilities -⁤ its strengths and, ‍crucially, ‌its ‌vulnerabilities – is paramount. A extensive assessment is essential to ensure U.S. preparedness for detecting emerging threats⁤ and, importantly, to identify​ and exploit any weaknesses within Russia’s ‍nuclear posture when and where⁢ they present themselves. The time for ​rigorous ⁣analysis and proactive ‍planning is now.

Register⁢ for‌ the Webinar: Click here ​to⁣ register for the Jamestown⁤ Foundation webinar.