Pakistan's nuclear weapons pose a serious but non-existential threat to India, with stringent safeguards making terrorist acquisition and detonation highly unlikely. The real danger lies in **radiological terrorism**, which is easier to execute and could cause widespread disruption. Insider threats within Pakistan’s increasingly radicalized military add to the risks. Pakistan's ongoing pursuit of nuclear supremacy, despite economic challenges, may ultimately lead to instability and security lapses, posing a greater threat to itself than to India.

China is pursuing global superpower status, challenging U.S. leadership through military, economic, and diplomatic means. It has two possible paths: focusing on regional dominance in the Western Pacific or expanding global influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road. Both strategies aim to reshape global power dynamics. The outcome will impact U.S.-China competition and the future world order.

Tensions in the Middle East and Europe are raising concerns about the potential for regional conflicts to escalate into a global war. While security experts in Europe focus on Ukraine’s war with Russia, growing instability in Gaza and the Red Sea adds complexity to U.S. foreign policy. There is also concern about Russia's potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. The U.S. faces a difficult balancing act in managing both crises, as its resources and attention are stretched thin. The risk of these separate conflicts merging into a broader war remains a pressing issue.