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Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The NPT: A Multilateral Agreement. Goals: Stop the spread of nuclear weapons worldwide. Taking steps toward and promoting disarmament. Ensuring that nuclear technology is used only for peaceful purposes. (e.g. energy). NWS and NNWS.
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The NPT: A Multilateral Agreement Goals: • Stop the spread of nuclear weapons worldwide. • Taking steps toward and promoting disarmament. • Ensuring that nuclear technology is used only for peaceful purposes. (e.g. energy)
NWS and NNWS • Nuclear Weapon States: exploded a nuclear device before January 1967. United States, Russia, France, China, UK • All other states are considered Non-Nuclear Weapon states under the NPT.
The Agreement • NWS are forbidden from spreading nuclear weapons or assisting NNWS in the development of nuclear weapons. • NWS agree to pursue disarmament negotiations. • NNWS will not buy or build nuclear weapons. • NNWS will accept IAEA safeguards.
Nations that Refuse to Sign the NPT • Israel, India, Pakistan • North Korea withdrew in 2003
Criticisms of the NPT • Many argue that the NPT has succeeded in containing the spread of nuclear weapons, however it has failed in the disarmament component. • North Korea resigned in 2003, but gained nuclear-capabilities while under the treaty. Should nations be prevented from simply resigning when it is no longer in their interest?
Proposition: Every nation should have the right to develop nuclear weapons?
Proposition: Terrorists are likely to use nuclear weapons in an attack.
Can anything else be done to help stop nuclear proliferation? • Can the NPT be fixed? • Internationalizing sensitive technologies such as uranium enrichment ? • Should there be more of an emphasis on the development of alternative energy sources? Would this make nuclear power less appealing?
Is nuclear proliferation a good thing? Will nuclear proliferation lead to peace? Example: Cold War Era