In this episode, Prof. Debak Das helps unpack the evolving dynamics of nuclear proliferation in the 21st century. From Cold War doctrines to contemporary strategic rivalries, we trace how major powers like Russia, France, and China shaped their nuclear trajectories — and what lessons were learned (or ignored) along the way. We also examine India's nuclear history, exploring the 24-year gap between Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II, and how Pakistan, often dismissed as a client state, managed to build a credible nuclear arsenal in response. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the aftermath of the 2025 India-Pakistan skirmish, analyzing why nuclear rhetoric — once taboo — is once again part of regional strategy and global discourse.Looking ahead, Dr. Das offers a sobering assessment of the future of non-proliferation, identifying potential breakout sta ...