RISING TIDES OF DETERRENCE: EMERGING DYNAMICS OF THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR ARMS RACE AND STRATEGIC SHIFTS IN SOUTH ASIA

Abstract

The changes in South Asia's strategies are what this study is mostly about as the global nu- clear arms race gets more intense. The study question is about how changes in doctrine, new technologies, and competition between big powers are affecting the level of security that serves as a deterrent, especially between China, India, and Pakistan. The goal is to figure out how these events affect safety in the area and around the world. Some of the goals are to evaluate the trends of nuclear modernization, guess where possible flashpoints might happen, and change the theory of defense. The research uses more than just a strategy trend study. It also uses qualitative methods like document analysis and interviews with experts. The main findings show that the lack of clear lines between conventional and nuclear limits makes the fast nuclear development South Asia is going through worse. Because of these effects, South Asia's instability may get worse, which could change policies on arms control, the structure of global security, and methods for handling crises. To keep conflicts from getting worse and to lower risks, it is important to make policy changes quickly.

Keywords: Nuclear Arms Race; Deterrence Theory; Strategic Stability; South Asia Security; Global Security Order; India-Pakistan Rivalry; China-US Relations