CISAC Affiliate and Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists columnist Pavel Podvig argues that the United States could begin reducing its nuclear weapons arsenals unilaterally, without negotiating another arms control treaty first. Russia has signaled that it will only concede to a new round of arms control negotiations if certain criteria are met, which would stall the negotiations process. According to Podvig, a unilateral U.S. reduction would force Russia to decide whether it wants to remain an equal partner in the arms control process, or allow the United States to take its own nuclear path.