BLUF
US nuclear guarantees are now generally seen as conditional. Japan is openly debating nuclear-sharing arrangements while Korean public support is growing. An arms race risks faster, riskier decision-making. Australia is likely to push for alliance reassurance.Learning Outcomes
• Understand how global strategic postures influence regional stability — the article explores how US leadership decisions affect East Asia’s nuclear choices.
• Examine the implications of defence partnerships and extended deterrence — highlighting Australia's reliance on alliances and potential responses to regional shifts.
