Fact Check: Nuclear weapons can pose a significant threat to global security.

Fact Check: "Nuclear weapons can pose a significant threat to global security."

What We Know

Nuclear weapons are recognized as having the potential to pose severe threats to global security. According to a study published by START, nuclear weapons are uniquely capable of threatening entire countries' existences. The research introduces the Nuclear Annihilation Threat (NAT) Index, which quantitatively assesses the existential threats posed by nuclear-armed states to one another. This analysis highlights that not all nuclear weapons possessors are equally capable of posing such threats, but the existence of nuclear weapons inherently raises the stakes for global security (START).

Furthermore, the 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment emphasizes that nations like China and Russia possess nuclear capabilities that can deliver catastrophic damage, directly threatening the security of other nations, including the United States (2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment). The U.S. Intelligence Community's Annual Threat Assessment also underscores that the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the potential for their use—whether by state actors or terrorists—remains a critical concern for global stability (Annual Threat Assessment).

Analysis

The evidence presented in the sources supports the claim that nuclear weapons pose a significant threat to global security. The START study provides a systematic approach to understanding the existential risks associated with nuclear arsenals, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions. The NAT Index allows for a comparative analysis of threats, indicating that countries with nuclear capabilities can create a precarious balance of power that may lead to conflicts or miscalculations (START).

The 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment and the Annual Threat Assessment from the U.S. Intelligence Community further reinforce this notion by identifying specific countries that pose direct nuclear threats. These assessments are produced by reputable intelligence agencies and reflect a consensus on the dangers posed by nuclear proliferation and the potential for catastrophic outcomes (2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment, Annual Threat Assessment).

While the sources are credible, it is essential to recognize that they may carry inherent biases based on national security perspectives. However, the consistent acknowledgment of nuclear threats across multiple authoritative reports lends significant weight to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that nuclear weapons can pose a significant threat to global security is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The existence of nuclear weapons, the potential for their use, and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding nuclear-armed states all contribute to a landscape where global security is at risk. The empirical analyses and assessments provided by reputable institutions confirm that nuclear weapons are a critical factor in global security considerations.