Russia's Willingness to Extend START Treaty Restrictions Based on Idea of Keeping Door Open: Expert
Russia's Willingness to Extend START Treaty Restrictions Based on Idea of Keeping Door Open: Expert
The arms control system has largely collapsed due to the Ukraine conflict, as US arms supplies to Russia’s opponent have deepened mistrust between the two countries, Zwelethu Jolobe, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Cape Town, told Sputnik Africa.
He believes that the current lack of trust means both powers must first rebuild trust mechanisms before negotiating any new arms control treaty. Despite this near collapse of trust, Jolobe noted that Russia has consistently kept communication channels open, recognizing the importance of dialogue between nuclear powers.
Most emerging powers are adapting to a multipolar world, which requires rethinking arms control, Jolobe also said. While initially centered on the US and Russia, other countries will soon be involved. However, ongoing mistrust currently limits progress to a tactical level.
He added that great powers are not interested in arms races and that stable multipolarity depends on formal arms control agreements, especially concerning ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, to ensure global security.
Regarding the Middle East, Jolobe highlighted anxiety around Israel’s unpredictability due to its exclusion from nuclear arms control frameworks. He emphasized that any US-Russia agreement should be a starting point for a broader global arms control framework to better manage conflicts.
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