Germany still sees the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as the cornerstone of global nuclear order, but today’s geopolitical tensions – from Russia’s war in Ukraine to rising proliferation risks – are testing its credibility. As the 2026 NPT Review Conference approaches, “Berlin presents itself as a mediator between nuclear‑weapon states and disarmament‑oriented actors, stressing that deterrence, non‑proliferation, and disarmament are mutually reinforcing rather than contradictory” (Wunderlich 2026).  Yet this role is increasingly challenged by shifting security priorities, alliance politics, and questions about whether Germany can truly reconcile its commitment to multilateral arms control with a harsher strategic reality.

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