Trump’s nuclear arms race
Nov 6, 2025 •
Last week, Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “immediately” resume US nuclear weapons testing.
The order breaks with more than three decades of protocol for the United States – justified, according to the president, by the actions of China and Russia.
And as these nuclear-armed powers expand and modernise their arsenals, countries closer to Australia are openly debating whether to follow.
Today, professor of strategic studies at the ANU and a contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Brendan Taylor, on what Trump’s announcement means for the nuclear arms race, and what happens if our neighbours go nuclear.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Trump’s nuclear arms race
1716 • Nov 6, 2025
Trump’s nuclear arms race
Last week, Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “immediately” resume US nuclear weapons testing.
The order breaks with more than three decades of protocol for the United States – justified, according to the president, by the actions of China and Russia.
And as these nuclear-armed powers expand and modernise their arsenals, countries closer to Australia are openly debating whether to follow.
Today, professor of strategic studies at the ANU and a contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Brendan Taylor, on what Trump’s announcement means for the nuclear arms race, and what happens if our neighbours go nuclear.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Professor of strategic studies at the ANU and a contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Brendan Taylor
7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Ruby Jones, Sarah McVeigh, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.