America survived the nuclear age through a complex combination of diplomatic and military decisions, and a good deal of luck. One of the tools that proved its value in both reducing the risks of nuclear use and setting rules for the ongoing nuclear competition were negotiated, legally binding, and verified arms control agreements. Such pacts between the United States and the Soviet Union arguably prevented the nuclear arms racing from getting worse and helped both sides climb off the Cold War nuclear precipice. Several important agreements remain in place between the United States and Russia, to the benefit of both states. Arms control is under threat, however, from domestic forces in the United States and from Russian actions that range from treaty violations to the broader weaponization of risk. But arms control can and should play a useful role in reducing the risk of nuclear war and forging a new agreement between Moscow and Washington on the new rules of the nuclear road.

中文翻译：

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为什么要进行军备控制？

美国通过复杂的外交和军事决定以及很多运气，在核时代中幸存下来。经过谈判，具有法律约束力和经过核查的军备控制协定，已证明了其在减少核使用风险和为正在进行的核竞争制定规则方面具有价值的工具之一。美国与苏联之间的这种条约可以说防止了核军备竞赛的恶化，并帮助双方摆脱了冷战时期的核悬崖。美国和俄罗斯之间仍然存在一些重要协议，以使两国受益。但是，来自美国的国内部队和俄罗斯的行动（从违反条约到更大范围的风险武器化）都面临着军备控制的威胁。