The conventional wisdom regarding the decision-making method for nuclear weapons contends that nuclear policy is based on material cost-benefit analyses, with systemic pressures driving states into a confined range of choices. Nuclear expansion is not surprising, given the anarchic nature of the state system. Disarmament will only be successful if the great powers can impose it through rewards and sanctions because it is both unlikely and undesirable.
Making judgments about nuclear weapons requires more than just responding to the environment; norms, psychology, language, and beliefs all significantly impact how the world utilizes nuclear weapons in the future. As a result, there is little chance of nuclear proliferation, non-proliferation is usually accepted instead of forced, and the importance of the disarmament issue has grown rather than decreased.
Before January 1967, Countries like China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia used to produce nuclear bombs, and thus they are called "nuclear weapon states" under NPT. NPT encourages nuclear weapon states to engage in nuclear disarmament. In March 1970, the agreement became ratifiable, and in July 1968, it became open for signature. Japan agreed to the agreement in February 1970, and it was ratified in June 1976.
As of October 2003, 189 state parties had signed the treaty, making it safe to declare that the NPT's universality had won out. Only three nations—Israel, Pakistan, and India—are not yet formally parties to the pact out of the 191 UN members.
The NPT forbids nuclear weapon states from acquiring and developing nuclear weapons and transporting nuclear weapons to non-nuclear weapon states. The NPT aims to prevent nuclear weapon nations from transferring nuclear ingredients and technology to military use by compelling these governments to adopt IAEA precautions. The NPT forbids non-nuclear weapons states from utilizing nuclear energy for military purposes while requiring state parties to seek nuclear disarmament negotiations with genuine intentions. According to the NPT, conferences must be conducted every five years to examine how the treaty is used.
NPT gave rise to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The purpose of the CTBT is to achieve complete and all-encompassing nuclear disarmament. Though, as it is, the CTBT does not want to eradicate nuclear weapons from the globe entirely. The number of nuclear weapons or the current offensive potential of the nuclear weapon nations would not decrease. The accord prevents nuclear weapon testing, preventing the non-nuclear states from creating nuclear weapons. There are no mechanisms for reducing the nuclear armaments of the weapon nations. Similar to the NPT, the CTBT aims to establish a world of nuclear haves and have-nots.
| NPT | CTBT |
|---|---|
| Only binding treaty for nuclear disarmament of nuclear-weapon states. | International treaty that bans all nuclear explosions in all environments. |
The feasibility of nuclear disarmament is constantly questioned. Although there are many technical difficulties, they can be broken down into two groups: achieving and maintaining global zero.
First, how can we be sure that all nuclear weapons in use have been neutralized? How can it be confirmed that all countries with nuclear weapons have dismantled all of their weapons and disposed of all of their fissile material?
Second, after we achieve global nuclear disarmament, how can we stop the creation of any new nuclear weapons? Creating fissionable substances, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is the most complicated stage of building a military nuclear potential. Modern weapons-grade fissile material production technologies are generally recognizable; however, some are trickier to hide than others.
For instance, South Africa secretly developed jet nozzle technology to manufacture enough enriched uranium for a few atomic bombs. However, there are examples of successful disarmament throughout history. For instance, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START) negotiated between the United States and the Soviet Union contributed to the global reduction of nuclear arsenals and served as a model for subsequent disarmament initiatives.
The NPT's parties convened their first five-year evaluation meeting in 2000, following their decision in 1995 to broaden the treaty indefinitely. The delegates adopted the 13 Practical Steps for Nuclear Disarmament after reviewing the advancement of "systematic and gradual" measures to achieve nuclear disarmament. Among these steps were −
Ratifying and signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and adhering to its obligations, which include a commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Putting in place measures to enhance transparency and confidence, including sharing data on the amount and location of nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
Negotiating and executing bilateral, regional, and global arms control agreements, such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).
Decreasing the number of nuclear weapons and delivery systems, including decommissioning of outdated weapons and systems.
Enhancing the security, accountability, and safety of nuclear weapons and materials, including taking precautions against theft and unlawful use.
Fostering global collaboration on nuclear energy's peaceful applications, non-proliferation, and disarmament, such as through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Encouraging communication and collaboration between nuclear-armed and non-armed governments to foster mutual understanding and trust
Promoting disarmament education and awareness, highlighting the importance of non-proliferation and disarmament, and including the general public in the process.
Promoting openness in the disarmament process, including regular reporting on developments and difficulties.
Encouraging the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the peaceful settlement of disputes through diplomacy and communication.
Supporting the research and development of disarmament to make sure that technology and knowledge to enable disarmament initiatives continue to advance.
Working to stop the manufacturing of nuclear weapons-useful fissile materials, including shutting down the factories that make highly enriched uranium and plutonium.
Encouraging the involvement of professionals and researchers, as well as the development of public discourse and awareness, in efforts to reduce the use of weapons of mass destruction.
Despite the substantial advancement that has been made in disarmament, much work still has to be done. Some countries are still upgrading their nuclear arsenals, whereas others are developing nuclear power. This highlights the importance of continuing disarmament efforts, including the reinforcement of existing international treaties and agreements and the creation of new policies and institutions to ensure the elimination of nuclear weapons. To preserve the balance and safety of the global order, nuclear weapons must be abolished from the world, and all nations must consent to settle disputes through peaceful means. This necessitates a persistent effort by the international community, including governments, civil society, and businesses, to work towards a single objective.
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