For the first time in decades, the United States and Russia are not bound by any bilateral arms control treaties. The expiration and withdrawal from previous frameworks, such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty, have left a void in the diplomatic mechanisms previously used to manage nuclear stability between the two nations.

Analysts note that the current geopolitical climate, heavily influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has made the negotiation of new agreements increasingly difficult. While some observers argue that this lack of oversight creates a dangerous environment that increases the risk of accidental escalation, others suggest that the previous frameworks had become obsolete or were being violated by one or both parties, necessitating a new approach to security.

There is a fundamental disagreement regarding the implications of this situation. Some commentators, such as those writing for The Nation, characterize the current state of affairs as a "reckless flirtation" with nuclear conflict, suggesting that the absence of guardrails poses an existential threat. Conversely, some government officials and security hawks argue that the lack of formal treaties provides the U.S. with necessary flexibility to counter modern threats and that the previous agreements were failing to address current technological and geopolitical realities.