The Second Nuclear Age has begun and the danger of the use a nuclear weapons is growing. The only guarantee against use is the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons. Though such a goal seems far off, the security architecture for a nuclear weapons-free world must be built. Both non-proliferation and disarmament must be addressed to effect a balanced implementation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
This Brief outlines five priority measures: a Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty; verification of reduction and elimination of nuclear arsenals; reduction of the operational status of nuclear forces; the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty; and strengthening assurances of non-use of nuclear weapons against non-weapon states. These measures would decrease risks of use, diminish the access of terrorists to catastrophic weapons and materials to build them, raise barriers to acquisition by additional states, and generate support for strengthening the non-proliferation side of the regime and resolving regional crises. They would make for a safer world now and create the pre-conditions for elimination of nuclear arms.
Fulfilling the NPT Bargain: The Role of Middle Powers
Contributing Organization(s): Global Security Institute
Author(s)/Creator(s): Global Security Institute
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Issue Areas: Peace and Conflict Resolution
Ownership/Rights Info: Please consult the copyright holder before using or repurposing this information.
File info: 13 pages; 338.24 KB file size
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The Role of Middle Powers..
Posted by: robgregory on Wed, 02 Jul 08 03:16:49 +0000
It's easy to agree with the article's premise; after all, why oppose the complete end to nuclear weapons through a system of transparency and accountability? Not unless you are the United States government, still the unanimous superpower on the block, and this is what makes me question the role of middle powers in the movement against nuclear weapons. Should the US drastically change its stance, its inclusion of nuclear weapons as a policy option, as well as participate in the decisions made by the international community on nuclear weapons overall, I cannot be as optimistic as I would like to be. But as the article points out, through its review of the state of affairs on this issue, the possibility of non-state actors obtaining a nuclear weapon is real and ominous. This adds an entirely new dimension of terror to the equation, one that we can hopefully avoid through a superpower setting course for peace and cooperation, not war and militarization.
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