The Expiration of the New START Treaty: A Threat to Global Security and the Fears of Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivors
Introduction
On February 5, 2026, the New START treaty, the last remaining US-Russian arms control treaty, expired. This event has sent shockwaves around the world, with many fearing the onset of a new nuclear arms race. The expiration of the treaty has been met with concern from various quarters, including Japanese atomic bomb survivors, who have expressed their fears of a nuclear war. This paper will examine the implications of the treaty’s expiration and the concerns of Japanese atomic bomb survivors, as well as the responses of the international community.
Background
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limited the number of nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia could deploy. The treaty was seen as a crucial step in reducing the threat of nuclear war and promoting global security. However, the treaty’s expiration has raised concerns that the two nuclear powers may engage in a new arms race, which could lead to a catastrophic nuclear conflict.
The Expiration of the New START Treaty
The expiration of the New START treaty has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that it will lead to a destabilization of the global security landscape. The treaty’s expiration means that there are no longer any limits on the number of nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can deploy. This has raised concerns that the two countries may engage in a new arms race, which could lead to a nuclear conflict.
Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivors’ Fears
The expiration of the New START treaty has been met with concern from Japanese atomic bomb survivors, who have expressed their fears of a nuclear war. Mr. Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, a group of survivors of the 1945 US nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, said that the world has failed to see the urgency of the issue. “Given the current situation, I have a feeling that in the not-too-distant future, we’ll actually have a nuclear war and head towards destruction,” he warned.
The Japanese government has also expressed its concerns about the treaty’s expiration, with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato saying that the country will “continue working closely with the United States” to build a control framework for nuclear weapons. However, campaigners have argued that Tokyo has failed to take any effective steps to encourage arms control in East Asia or to engage China to join such efforts.
International Response
The international community has responded to the treaty’s expiration with concern, with many calling for urgent action to prevent a nuclear arms race. The United Nations Secretary-General has described the expiration of the treaty as a “grave moment,” while the Russian government has said that it is “no longer bound” by nuclear arms limits.
Conclusion
The expiration of the New START treaty has raised concerns about the stability of the global security landscape and the threat of a nuclear war. Japanese atomic bomb survivors have expressed their fears of a nuclear conflict, and the international community has responded with concern. The United States and Russia must take immediate action to negotiate a new treaty that limits the number of nuclear warheads and prevents a new arms race. The international community must also work together to promote disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, and to prevent the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear war.
Recommendations
The United States and Russia should negotiate a new treaty that limits the number of nuclear warheads and prevents a new arms race.
The international community should work together to promote disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
Japan and other countries in East Asia should take a more active role in promoting arms control and disarmament efforts in the region.
The United Nations should play a key role in promoting international cooperation and preventing the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear war.
In conclusion, the expiration of the New START treaty has raised concerns about the stability of the global security landscape and the threat of a nuclear war. It is imperative that the international community takes immediate action to prevent a nuclear arms race and to promote disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. The fears of Japanese atomic bomb survivors must be taken seriously, and the world must work together to prevent the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear war.
References:
“Japan atomic bomb survivors fear nuclear war as US-Russia arms control pact expires.” The Straits Times, 5 Feb. 2026.
“UN chief calls New START expiration ‘grave moment’.” The Straits Times, 5 Feb. 2026.
“Russia ‘no longer bound’ by nuclear arms limits as treaty with US ends.” The Straits Times, 5 Feb. 2026.
“Japan to continue working closely with US on nuclear arms control.” The Japan Times, 5 Feb. 2026.
“Nihon Hidankyo: Japanese atomic bomb survivors.” Nihon Hidankyo, 2026.