The assertion that the changing global order, ongoing regional conflicts, and the involvement of global powers have jeopardized past progress in disarmament is highly accurate. The post-Cold War era initially saw significant optimism for disarmament, with major arms control treaties and reductions in nuclear arsenals. However, recent geopolitical shifts have reversed this trend, creating an environment of renewed arms races and diminished trust.

Changing Global Order: The shift from a unipolar moment (post-Cold War US dominance) to an increasingly multipolar or even fragmented world has introduced new uncertainties. The rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the growing influence of other regional powers have created a more competitive and less predictable international landscape. This competition often manifests as a security dilemma, where states enhance their military capabilities in response to perceived threats from others, leading to a spiral of rearmament rather than disarmament.

Ongoing Regional Conflicts: Conflicts in regions like Ukraine, the Middle East (e.g., Syria, Yemen), and the South China Sea have profound implications for disarmament. These conflicts demonstrate the continued utility of military force in achieving political objectives and highlight the vulnerabilities of states without robust defense capabilities. They serve as a stark reminder that conventional and unconventional military power remains a critical tool in international relations, thereby reducing incentives for disarmament.

Global Powers Taking Sides: When major global powers (e.g., the US, Russia, China) actively support different factions or states in regional conflicts, it exacerbates tensions and fuels proxy wars. This involvement often includes providing military aid, advanced weaponry, and intelligence, which directly contributes to the proliferation of arms and the escalation of conflicts. For instance, the war in Ukraine has led to massive military aid from Western powers to Ukraine and increased defense spending across NATO, while Russia has intensified its own military production. This dynamic undermines arms control efforts and makes new disarmament agreements exceedingly difficult to achieve.

Impact on Disarmament Progress:

• Erosion of Arms Control Treaties: Several key arms control treaties, such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty, have been abandoned or are under threat, signaling a decline in commitment to mutual arms limitations.
• Nuclear Modernization: Major nuclear powers are investing heavily in modernizing their nuclear arsenals, developing new types of warheads and delivery systems, rather than reducing them.
• Conventional Arms Buildup: States are increasing defense budgets and acquiring advanced conventional weapons, driven by perceived threats and geopolitical competition.
• Space and Cyber Militarization: New domains of warfare, such as space and cyber, are becoming increasingly militarized, with little to no international regulatory frameworks for arms control.

In conclusion, the current geopolitical climate, characterized by great power competition, unresolved regional conflicts, and a breakdown of trust, has indeed jeopardized and, in many cases, reversed the progress made towards disarmament in previous decades. The focus has shifted from arms reduction to rearmament and strategic competition, making future disarmament initiatives a significant challenge.