At the same time it is an unfortunate fact of our international life that the founding of the United Nations came almost at the same time as the nuclear age, for the Charter preceded the explosion of the first nuclear weapon by a few weeks. Since then, the evolution of the international political system has not been conducive to States, particularly the small, the weak, the non-aligned and the unarmed, seeking to ensure their security through the Charter. It has been said that during the post-war period over 140 wars have been fought where millions of people have died, and almost all of this has taken place in the regions of the South. These facts bear witness to what I have just said. The maintenance of the balance of power in the nuclear age and great Power rivalry in its geopolitical context affects the security of States in a variety of circumstances. An eminent statesman of our time once said that nuclear weapons have not only changed the meaning of warfare but also the very fundamental nature of human existence, and that the only thing that has not changed is the minds of rnen. Efforts have been made to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons since the time there was but one nuclear-weapon State and a few nuclear weapons. Today there are five nuclear-weapon Powers and over 50,000 nuclear weapons, of which 98 per cent is in the possession of the super-Powers. NR/mh A/C.l/40/PV.ll 41 (Mr. Gyi, Burma) According to currently available literature, the two most significant militacy Powers have spent $9 trillion on defence. Together they spend over half of the world's military budget, although they represent 11 per cent of the world's population . It is also asserted that they export 50 per cent of arms in international trade, thus contributing to the regional dimension of the arms race. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the impact of nuclear weapons and the arms race on international relations, security, and the global political system. While it touches upon the economic aspect, such as the significant spending on defense by the super-Powers, the text's main concern is the security and humanitarian implications of the nuclear age.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief