The International Nuclear Non-Proliferation Policy Framework under the NPT and Related Instruments

Abstract

From the late 1960s, a UN-centred nuclear non-proliferation policy has gradually developed into a stable framework for coordination of national policies. The basic elements of that policy, aimed at preventing the horizontal dissemination of nuclear weapons as a serious danger for international peace and security, found formal expression mainly through the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The NPT encapsulates the basic non-proliferation policy objectives and sets in general terms the accepted standards of states’ behaviour leading to the achievement of these objectives. The obligation and responsibility of the non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) not to acquire nuclear weapons along with the corresponding responsibility and obligation of the nuclear weapons states (NWS) not to proliferate nuclear weapons to them constitute the main norms governing the NPT and more broadly the non-proliferation regime. These norms are founded on Articles I and II of the NPT and have been agreed as follows: Article I Each nuclear-weapon state party to the Treaty undertakes not to transfer to any recipient whatsoever nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or control over such weapons or explosive devices directly, or indirectly; and not in any way to assist, encourage, or induce any non- nuclear-weapon state to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, or control over such weapons or explosive devices.