As global tensions rise, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is preparing to announce the setting of the 2026 Doomsday Clock. This announcement is scheduled for January 27, 2026, during a live press conference at 10:00 am ET (1500 GMT), streamed on the Bulletin’s YouTube channel. The Doomsday Clock serves as a symbolic indicator of humanity’s proximity to catastrophic events, reflecting the increasing nuclear threat and other global dangers.
In 2025, the Clock was set at 89 seconds to midnight, marking the closest it has been in its 78-year history. This alarming time is determined by the Science and Security Board (SASB), composed of leading experts in nuclear risk, climate change, and emerging technologies. Their assessment is supported by the Bulletin’s Board of Sponsors, which includes eight Nobel Laureates. The Clock aims to highlight urgent threats that require immediate action to safeguard humanity’s future.
Nuclear Weapons: A Persistent Threat
Since the inception of nuclear weapons 75 years ago, they have been recognized as a significant threat. The danger peaked during the Cold War when the United States and Soviet Union engaged in an arms race that risked global destruction. Over the years, the Bulletin has expanded its focus to include climate change and disruptive technologies. Currently, the five major concerns impacting the Clock are primarily linked to nuclear weapons and their escalating threat to global survival.
The last remaining arms-control treaty between the United States and Russia is set to expire in February, raising fears of an unregulated arms race. Both nations are modernizing their nuclear arsenals, including new warheads, bombers, and submarines. Neither Washington nor Moscow has indicated a willingness to renew or replace the treaty, leading analysts to express concern over potential increased deployments and growing mistrust.
China is also expanding its nuclear capabilities and is projected to match the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles possessed by the United States and Russia by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, North Korea continues to advance its nuclear program, and India and Pakistan are enhancing their delivery systems with multi-warhead capabilities.
Russia is undergoing significant modernization of its nuclear forces, with reports indicating the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus. The United States is similarly expanding its tactical nuclear arsenal and constructing new manufacturing facilities. The United Kingdom has also increased its warhead ceiling and is developing new submarines and warheads. Moreover, Israel is believed to be enhancing its nuclear capabilities, including plutonium production.
Geopolitical Tensions and Nuclear Proliferation
The current geopolitical landscape is fraught with tension. The U.S. President has taken steps to mitigate the threat from Iran by authorizing strikes on its nuclear facilities, delaying its potential to develop a bomb. Yet this strategy has raised proliferation concerns among U.S. allies, who may question the reliability of the American “nuclear umbrella.” As conflicts intensify in areas such as Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela, more nations are contemplating nuclear armament.
Iran has breached the limits set by the 2015 nuclear agreement, producing 60%-enriched uranium. Additionally, both South Korea and Japan are viewed as potential nuclear powers. Saudi Arabia has hinted at pursuing its own nuclear program should Iran continue its advancements, while Poland has expressed interest in hosting U.S. nuclear weapons as a deterrent against Russian aggression.
Concerns are growing that the United States may abandon its long-standing ban on nuclear testing. Should Washington resume explosive tests, it is anticipated that other nuclear-armed nations, including China and Russia, would follow suit. Major powers are also developing faster and more agile missile systems, extending military aspirations into outer space.
Experts warn that advancements in artificial intelligence could lead to more autonomous weapons, drastically reducing decision-making time during a nuclear crisis. As the world approaches the next Doomsday Clock announcement, the implications of these developments serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for global cooperation and serious dialogue on nuclear disarmament.
