The New Strategic Reduction Arms Treaty (New START) between Russia and the United States is at risk of expiring without extension. Democrats consistently support its extension, viewing it as crucial for limiting nuclear arsenals and enhancing national security. However, the Trump administration, influenced by anti-arms control ideologues, has shown disinterest in maintaining international agreements, leading to the demise of other treaties such as the INF and Open Skies. The Russian government is open to an unconditional extension, but the U.S. has not reciprocated. The next administration will face the urgent task of rebuilding arms control frameworks, with limited time to extend New START or negotiate a new treaty amidst a challenging political climate.

President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty is criticized as a mistake that could signal the end of New START and is seen as a continuation of his disdain for arms control agreements. The move is a victory for hard-liners like Senator Tom Cotton and reflects John Bolton's influence on foreign policy. The withdrawal is viewed as harmful to European allies who rely on the treaty for intelligence on Russia and as increasing tensions with Moscow. Russian noncompliance is cited as a pretext for the exit, despite the Arms Control Association's stance that the issues are resolvable and do not constitute a material breach.

The Trump administration is determined to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, a 28-year-old agreement aimed at reducing the risk of accidental war between the West and Russia through reconnaissance flights. Despite the pandemic delaying a full National Security Council meeting, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo plan to proceed with the exit. Critics argue that the opposition to the treaty is ideologically driven and not based on substantial flaws. The treaty is seen as a stabilizing force that promotes transparency and reduces the chances of escalation. European allies and experts emphasize the treaty's importance for security and intelligence, urging the U.S. to remain a party to it.

The Trump administration's appointment of Marshall Billingslea as a special envoy for nuclear talks signals a lack of interest in genuine arms control agreements. Billingslea, known for his hawkish stance on nuclear weapons and controversial involvement in the Bush administration's torture program, is unlikely to advance meaningful negotiations. With the New START treaty's expiration approaching, the administration's actions suggest a disregard for extending the treaty, potentially ending arms control as it currently exists between the U.S. and Russia.

The Chinese government has reiterated its refusal to join trilateral arms control talks with the U.S. and Russia, accusing the U.S. of using China's involvement as an excuse to avoid its own nuclear disarmament responsibilities. The Trump administration's reluctance to extend the New START treaty is seen as a tactic to let the treaty expire, potentially destabilizing U.S.-Russian relations and risking a new arms race. Critics argue that the administration's actions reflect a broader ideological opposition to arms control agreements.

The article criticizes President Trump's reluctance to extend the New START Treaty, highlighting his preference for unrealistic, expansive deals that include China and tactical nuclear weapons. It argues that Trump's approach is a pretext for dismantling existing agreements and that his actions could lead to a new arms race and destabilize U.S.-Russia relations. The refusal to renew New START is seen as a damaging decision with long-term consequences for global arms control.