Golden Dome

The "Golden Dome" refers to a proposed U.S. missile defense system. It is newsworthy due to recent Russian criticism of the project. According to reports, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has labeled the ambitious, potentially trillion-dollar project as extremely "provocative," warning that it could destabilize global nuclear deterrence. This criticism comes at a sensitive time, as the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control pact between Washington and Moscow, is set to expire. Russia has stated it is ready to respond to potential US weapons deployments, including any on Greenland. The development and potential deployment of the Golden Dome, coupled with the lapse of New START, significantly raises tensions and alters the strategic balance between the two nations, increasing the risk of a new arms race.