Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Nuclear Weapons
The Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a pivotal international agreement aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
- Scope:
- Adopted in 1968, the treaty became effective in 1970.
- Currently has 191 state parties, making it one of the most universally adhered to international treaties.
- Key Theories in International Relations:
- Realism highlights power dynamics and the role of nuclear deterrence as a stabilising factor in international relations.
- Liberalism focuses on cooperation and the importance of treaties like the NPT in fostering trust and security among states.
- Global Governance and International Institutions:
- The NPT is supervised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors compliance through safeguards and inspections.
- Establishment of the Review Conference every five years to assess treaty implementation and address issues.
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy:
- Encourages states to pursue peaceful nuclear energy while agreeing not to develop nuclear weapons.
- Facilitates diplomatic efforts to address and mitigate nuclear proliferation crises.
- Geopolitics and Strategic Studies:
- Influences global power structures, with nuclear-armed states largely being permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
- Non-signatory states, like India, Pakistan, and North Korea, pose challenges to the treaty's effectiveness.
- Conflict, Security, and Peacebuilding:
- The NPT aims to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict through nuclear disarmament and preventing the emergence of new nuclear states.
- Encouragement of regional security frameworks, like the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty.
- International Law and Human Rights:
- A firm basis for disarmament negotiations under international law, promoting the right to peace and security.
- Addresses humanitarian concerns related to nuclear weapons usage and its impact on human rights.
- Emerging Issues in International Affairs:
- Challenges posed by nuclear terrorism and non-state actors entering the nuclear arena.
- Debates over modernisation of nuclear arsenals by established nuclear states impacting disarmament efforts.
