APLN Quarterly Nuclear Memo (April - June 2026)
Download the APLN Quarterly Nuclear Memo
As part of APLN’s 2026-2030 Research Strategy, the APLN Quarterly Nuclear Memo tracks, analyses and summarises nuclear developments shaping the Asia-Pacific security environment. These are grouped into four analytical categories:
- Disruptive (developments posing acute or immediate risks to the nuclear order and regional stability),
- Stabilising (steps that reduce risk or build confidence),
- Worrisome (trends that, if unchecked, could worsen the nuclear order),
- Dialogue-based (activities that involve two or more interlocutors).
What stands out in the April–June 2026 quarter is not one particular crisis, but how many things have quietly moved in the wrong direction at once. The table below summarises the key developments across the four categories.
Key developments to monitor in the coming quarter include the US–Iran 60-day technical negotiations; Pakistan’s doctrinal response to India’s SSBN commissioning; US handling of denuclearisation framing for the Korean Peninsula; Russia–DPRK 2027–2031 military cooperation specifics; DPRK ICBM or SLBM testing; and signs of major-power dialogue on nuclear issues. We will keep a close watch on these developments and more.
About the APLN Quarterly Nuclear Memo
This analysis was prepared by APLN Senior Research Adviser Manpreet Sethi, drawing on research and background inputs by APLN Policy Fellow Hree P. Samudra. Editorial review was provided by APLN Executive Director Shatabhisha Shetty. The Memo was designed and formatted by Hree P. Samudra.
The APLN Quarterly Nuclear Memo is a cross-cutting initiative of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network’s 2026–2030 Research Strategy. For questions or to suggest developments for future issues, contact the APLN Secretariat at apln@apln.network. We would sincerely appreciate your feedback or suggestions.
The opinions articulated above represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network or any of its members. The APLN website is a source of authoritative research and analysis and serves as a platform for debate and discussion among our senior network members, experts and practitioners, as well as the next generation of policymakers, analysts and advocates.
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