Members of NATO in Europe are in active discussions regarding the potential creation of an autonomous nuclear deterrent that does not depend on the United States, as highlighted in the 2026 Doomsday Clock report by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Among the options being considered are a European deterrent backed by France and the United Kingdom's nuclear stockpiles, or permitting other European nations to achieve nuclear latency — the capacity to swiftly manufacture nuclear arms if necessary. Similar dialogues are taking place in South Korea and Japan, raising international concerns about proliferation. This debate has been fueled by doubts surrounding US security assurances during the Trump administration and Russia's ongoing nuclear threats directed at NATO allies.
