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Global Nuclear Weapons Spending Surges 13% in Record Rise Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Jun 17, 2024, 06:31 AM

A significant rise in global nuclear weapons spending and modernization efforts has been observed amid escalating geopolitical tensions. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and other research organizations, nuclear-armed countries have increased their spending on atomic weapons by 13% in a record rise over the past year, with a total expenditure of $91.4 billion. Over the past five years, this spending has surged by 34%, amounting to $23.2 billion. The United States leads this increase, with a 45% rise in spending, followed by the United Kingdom at 43%. China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, with its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) count potentially surpassing that of Russia and the US within a decade. The global nuclear stockpile stands at 12,121 warheads, with the US and Russia owning 90% of these. Researchers urge world leaders to step back and reflect on the growing reliance on nuclear deterrence as geopolitical relations deteriorate.