Episode 271: Arms Control Talk - a Mushroom Cloud or a Fizzle?

Today, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss Russia’s withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests. Moscow says its de-ratification of the CTBT is merely designed to bring Russia into line with the U.S., which signed but never ratified the treaty, while others worry Russia is seeking to intimidate and evoke fear. All the while China and the United States are about to begin talks about nuclear arms control and non-proliferation.

Is Russia’s withdrawal from the CTBT symbolic, saber-rattling, or about something else? Does the war in Ukraine, which is entering its second winter, play into Russia’s decision? Will the Biden Administration's talks with China lead to an agreement or is it just lip-service?

Hear our experts debate these issues and more in 10 minutes on our latest episode of Fault Lines!

Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-revokes-russias-ratification-nuclear-test-ban-treaty-2023-11-02/

https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/test-ban-treaty-at-a-glance

https://www.icanw.org/what_is_the_nuclear_test_ban_treaty_and_why_is_russia_talking_about_leaving?locale=en

https://www.reuters.com/world/china-agrees-nuclear-arms-control-talks-with-us-wsj-2023-11-01/

https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/china-agrees-to-arms-control-talks-with-u-s-87a44b38

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/us-nuclear-arsenal-can-deter-both-china-and-russia

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@notTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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