The NPT requires modernisation to adapt to today’s challenges and provide a comprehensive approach, writes Tarja Cronberg. She argues that as reform is politically impossible because of the P5’s veto power, it must be renegotiated.
The proposed Russian withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty highlights Europe’s limited influence on arms control arrangements that affect it profoundly, writes Julia Berghofer. Europe needs to find a stronger voice or its security will remain a by-product of US-Russia relations.
The first 100 days of the Biden administration have shown that the US is keen to continue using sanctions as its default foreign-policy tool, notably against Russia, writes Agathe Demarais. However, America’s enthusiasm for sanctions on Moscow comes with serious risks for the transatlantic alliance.
As the Biden administration completes its first 100 days in office—an early benchmark of the Presidency—the future of transatlantic relations looks much rosier than it did before the US elections. Revamping EU-US cooperation will therefore require careful examination of Europe’s strive towards strategic autonomy.
As the economic relations between the EU and China develop, the growing presence of China and Russia on the international stage presents concerns for the Union. Claudia Westwood argues that the EU must recognise that closer China-Russia cooperation would not signal a strong partnership, but rather the escalation of pre-existing economic cooperation only in areas of common interest.
As the US’s new envoy for Yemen heads to the region this week, he is coming from consultations with representatives of all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The US and Russia’s ability to coordinate and find common ground at the UN will be critical for the prospects for peace in Yemen. There may just be an opportunity for progress.
The UK’s recent changes to nuclear policy cast a shadow over preparations for the NPT Review Conference. But there is still time for the P5 to take actions to rebuild trust and confidence. UNIDIR’s Wilfred Wan lays out key recommendations.
Carlo Trezza argues it is time for the US to take up the policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons, to show other nuclear states that this is both possible and desirable, and ultimately to reduce the risks of any nuclear confrontation.
At a time when great power rivalry and increased threats face the Euro-Atlantic region, the absence of structured cooperation with the EU in the Integrated Review risks weakening European security and undermining the UK’s long-term strategic interests. The UK Government should establish a clear Europe strategy that has security and foreign policy cooperation at its core.