World on Edge: START Treaty Ends, Steam Machine Stalls, Dreams Detained

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World Faces New Uncertainties as Arms Control Treaty Expires, Political Tensions Rise

The expiration of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia on February 5, 2026, has raised concerns about a potential arms race between the world's superpowers. The treaty's expiration coincided with other international developments, including political instability in Venezuela and increased scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies.

The New START treaty, the last major arms control agreement between Russia and the U.S., expired amid rising tensions. According to NPR, experts like Rose Gottemoeller are discussing whether the world's superpowers are now in an arms race.

In Venezuela, the interim leader is navigating a complex political landscape following the ousting of Maduro a month prior. Manuel Rueda reported for NPR that the interim leader is attempting to balance demands from the U.S. and expectations from Chavista hardliners.

Meanwhile, U.S. immigration policies continued to face scrutiny. NPR reported a sharp drop in European tourists visiting the U.S. in the past year compared to 2024, with many citing the volatile political climate as the reason. Eleanor Beardsley reported on the story of a young French tennis coach who described being detained and expelled under tightened border rules. The report also noted a poll finding a jump in disapproval of ICE among Democrats and Independents, and that hundreds of federal agents are leaving from Minnesota.

In other news, Valve announced a delay in the shipping schedule and a revisit of pricing plans for the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller. According to The Verge, the delay is due to a RAM crisis impacting pricing. The company initially announced the new hardware in November.