Five Nuclear Weapons States (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States)

The five recognized nuclear-weapon states—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—are nations officially acknowledged under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) for possessing nuclear arsenals. They developed nuclear weapons during the Cold War for deterrence, aiming to prevent wars through the threat of retaliation. These countries maintain and modernize their arsenals, emphasizing strategic stability and national security. Their nuclear capabilities vary in size and technology, but all possess significant destructive power. The goal of international efforts is to prevent proliferation and promote disarmament, ensuring nuclear weapons are used solely for defense and deterrence, not conflict.