The world has seen a dramatic drop in the number of nuclear warheads since the 1980s, decreasing from around 70,000 to 12,241 as of early 2025. While this reduction may seem like a sign of reduced nuclear risk, experts argue that the situation remains complex and potentially more dangerous. This is due to changing geopolitical dynamics and the evolving nature of nuclear strategy, which can involve more unpredictable behavior. The decline in nuclear warheads has largely been driven by the end of the Cold War and a series of international treaties. Agreements like the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), and the New START treaty have helped reduce the number of warheads. In addition, major nuclear powers have made unilateral cuts. However, this decrease has also been influenced by the removal of older, less reliable weapons from active service, while more modern nuclear stockpiles have either stayed the same or grown slightly. Over time, the framework of arms control agreements has weakened. The United States left the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty in 2002 and the INF treaty in 2019. Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty in 2023, and the treaty expired in February 2026 without being replaced. These developments have created a lack of clear rules and limits on nuclear weapons, increasing uncertainty in international relations. Russia's actions during the war in Ukraine have shown how nuclear weapons can be used as a political tool. Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, have frequently warned the West about the risks of direct confrontation with a nuclear power. This includes moving tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, conducting nuclear exercises, and revising military doctrine in 2024 to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, China has been rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal. It is estimated that China's nuclear warheads increased from about 260 in 2015 to around 620 in 2026, with projections suggesting the number could reach 1,000 by 2030 and 1,500 by 2035. This growth includes not just quantity, but also quality, as China is building a more diverse nuclear force with intercontinental missiles, nuclear submarines, and nuclear-capable aircraft, aiming to create a full "nuclear triad" for greater strategic flexibility. New technologies are making the distinction between nuclear and conventional forces more difficult, increasing the risk of accidental escalation during conflicts. Meanwhile, France has recently decided to increase its nuclear arsenal, reflecting a shift in strategic priorities due to rising global tensions and a desire to maintain influence in Europe. These developments, along with the loss of transparency, the resurgence of nuclear threats, and the modernization of nuclear forces, have created a more complex and potentially more unstable global strategic environment.