Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Core Objective: To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.

NPT Framework: Divides states into Nuclear Weapon States (NWS - US, UK, France, Russia, China) and Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS).

NWS Obligations: Commit not to transfer nuclear weapons or related technology to NNWS and to pursue nuclear disarmament.

NNWS Obligations: Commit not to acquire nuclear weapons and to accept comprehensive safeguards from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on their nuclear activities.

Peaceful Use: Guarantees the right of all states to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.

IAEA Role: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the UN's nuclear watchdog, responsible for verifying compliance with NPT safeguards.

Challenges: States outside the NPT (India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea), dual-use technology (civilian nuclear technology usable for weapons), proliferation risks from non-state actors, and the slow pace of disarmament by NWS.

Export Controls: Regimes like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) aim to control the export of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use items to prevent proliferation.

Proposed Treaties: The Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) is a proposed treaty to ban the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

Security Initiatives: Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) aims to interdict illicit shipments of WMD and related materials.