How have Ukraine and Gaza conflicts impacted global security?

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The Ukraine and Gaza conflicts have significantly impacted global security, particularly by increasing the prominence of nuclear weapons and hindering diplomatic efforts for arms control.

The ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have led to a more prominent role for atomic weapons in international relations, a situation not seen since the Cold War. These strained international relations have also resulted in major setbacks for diplomatic efforts aimed at controlling nuclear arms. Researchers have described the current global security environment as one of the most dangerous in human history.
Increased Prominence of Nuclear Weapons

The conflicts have coincided with a notable increase in the perceived importance of nuclear weapons. Russia's suspension of its participation in the New START treaty in February 2023, the last remaining treaty limiting Russian and US strategic nuclear forces, exemplifies this trend. Furthermore, Russia conducted tactical nuclear weapon drills near the Ukrainian border in May, and President Vladimir Putin has increased his nuclear rhetoric, warning of a real risk of nuclear war.
Modernisation of Nuclear Arsenals

The world's nine nuclear-armed states, including the United States, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, have continued to modernise their nuclear arsenals. Several of these nations deployed new nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable weapon systems in 2023. While the overall number of nuclear warheads is decreasing due to the dismantling of Cold War-era weapons, there has been a year-on-year increase in the number of operational warheads, with nearly 9,585 warheads estimated to be in stockpiles for potential use.
Setbacks in Arms Control Diplomacy

Diplomatic efforts to control nuclear arms have encountered significant obstacles due to the strained international relations exacerbated by the conflicts. An informal agreement between the United States and Iran, reached in June 2023, was disrupted following the commencement of the Israel-Hamas war in October. This indicates a broader pattern of diplomatic challenges in managing nuclear proliferation and arms control in the current geopolitical climate.
Deterioration of Global Security

Researchers have observed a continuing deterioration of global security over the past year, with the impacts of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza felt across almost every aspect of armaments and international security. The situation highlights a period of heightened risk, prompting calls for great powers to "step back and reflect."

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How have Ukraine and Gaza conflicts impacted global security?

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