Russia's revocation of its ratification of the CTBT and the future of international nuclear security

Abstract

Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty shook the global nuclear security agenda. This unprecedented political move by Moscow has led to the revision of the existing legal frameworks governing nuclear weapons and brought international nuclear stability into question. However, it is unlikely to lead to nuclear escalation or instability as it is a calibration of Moscow’s response in its dealings with the United States and the West.