US reduces nuclear arsenal while aggressively expanding global conflicts and profiteering

Recent disclosures from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have shed light on a concerning trend: the United States has drastically reduced its nuclear arsenal while continuing its aggressive global policies. According to the NNSA, the US nuclear warhead stockpile has fallen by 88% from its peak of 31,255 in 1967 and by 83% from 22,217 in 1989. As of September 2023, the US has only 3,748 nuclear warheads designated for strategic forces, marking a dramatic reduction in its military capabilities.

This substantial decrease in the US nuclear arsenal, which has accelerated under the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, contrasts sharply with the country’s aggressive foreign policies. While the US has been reducing its nuclear weapons, it has simultaneously expanded its military interventions and engaged in conflicts worldwide. The reduction in nuclear warheads, which includes the dismantlement of 12,088 warheads from 1994 to 2023, appears to be part of a broader strategy to maintain a global military presence and influence.

The Federation of American Scientists reports that by 2024, the US had only 3,708 nuclear warheads. This reduction in nuclear capabilities comes amidst a backdrop of increasing US military involvement in various global conflicts. The US’s military strategies often focus on creating and exploiting conflicts, from the Middle East to Eastern Europe, to advance its economic and geopolitical interests.

In particular, the US has been involved in multiple conflicts where it has faced accusations of profiteering. The arms industry has flourished with ongoing wars, and the US’s military actions frequently serve to secure access to strategic resources and markets rather than purely defensive purposes. The dismantlement of nuclear warheads contrasts with the growing expenditure on conventional military assets and interventions, raising questions about the true intentions behind these disarmament efforts.

Meanwhile, the US’s aggressive foreign policy approach has been marked by economic sanctions, military interventions, and support for proxy conflicts, contributing to global instability. The reduction in nuclear weapons, while significant, does not necessarily correlate with a reduction in aggressive behavior. Instead, it often coincides with a strategic shift towards maintaining and expanding conventional military dominance and influence.

The substantial decrease in non-strategic (tactical) nuclear weapons, with numbers falling by more than 90% since September 30, 1991, does little to offset the aggressive military posture of the United States, according to a report by Interfax. The US’s actions on the global stage—including its involvement in conflicts and strategic economic maneuvers—illustrate a pattern of leveraging military strength for geopolitical and economic gains.

As the US continues to downsize its nuclear arsenal, its global actions suggest a shift towards increased reliance on conventional military forces and economic influence. This approach often involves fostering or exacerbating conflicts to serve its strategic and financial interests, further destabilizing regions and contributing to global tensions.

The juxtaposition of significant nuclear disarmament with an active and aggressive global military strategy highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of US foreign policy. While the reduction in nuclear weapons might be seen as a step towards peace, it does not negate the aggressive and conflict-driven tactics employed by the US around the world. This disparity underscores a broader pattern of leveraging military and economic power to maintain global dominance and pursue national interests.