Lamentations for the New START Treaty are immaterial

The erosion of global nuclear non-proliferation regime is caused primarily by the erratic US behavior on various geopolitical arenas, and the dismantlement of outdated arms control formats makes little difference. Various initiatives on nuclear-free zones and campaigns for abolishing nuclear weapons are clearly in disarray, but the expiration of the old Treaty could hardly add to this collective dismay. The risks of nuclear conflict are growing, and traditional “bean-counting” approaches are unhelpful for mobilizing new energy focused on preventing this disaster.