B.A. 6th Semester (Nuclear Disarmament- Role of UN & Super Powers)
Nuclear Disarmament: Role of UN and Superpowers (Detailed Explanation)
1. What is Nuclear Disarmament?
Nuclear disarmament means complete elimination or reduction of nuclear weapons at global level.
It is different from:
Arms Control → Managing and limiting weapons
Non-Proliferation → Preventing spread to new countries
Disarmament → Eliminating existing weapons
After 1945, the world understood that nuclear war could destroy humanity. Therefore, international efforts began to regulate and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons.
2. Why Did Nuclear Disarmament Become Important?
During the Cold War (1945–1991):
USA and USSR competed in nuclear weapon development.
Both built hydrogen bombs (more powerful than atomic bombs).
Developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).
Doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) emerged.
MAD means:
If one country uses nuclear weapons, the other will retaliate and both will be destroyed.
This created:
Fear of global annihilation
Pressure for arms control agreements
By 1986, global nuclear stockpile peaked at around 70,000 warheads.
3. Role of the United Nations (UN)
The UN has been the main international platform for nuclear disarmament.
(A) UN General Assembly (UNGA)
Passed its first resolution in 1946 to eliminate atomic weapons.
Adopts annual resolutions on nuclear disarmament.
Promotes Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs).
Played a key role in adopting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017).
However, UNGA resolutions are not legally binding.
(B) UN Security Council (UNSC)
More powerful because its decisions are binding.
Important resolutions:
Resolution 1540 (2004)
Prevents non-state actors (terrorists) from acquiring nuclear weapons.Sanctions against:
North Korea (for nuclear tests)
Iran (over nuclear program)
Limitation:
P5 members (USA, Russia, UK, France, China) themselves are nuclear powers. This creates a contradiction.
(C) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – 1957
Though autonomous, it works under UN system.
Functions:
Inspects nuclear facilities
Ensures peaceful use of nuclear energy
Implements safeguards under NPT
Example:
Inspected Iran under JCPOA agreement.
(D) Conference on Disarmament (CD)
Located in Geneva.
Negotiated:
NPT
CTBT
Currently deadlocked due to lack of consensus.
4. Major Treaties Explained
(1) Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968
Most important global nuclear treaty.
Entered into force: 1970
Extended indefinitely: 1995
Members: 190+ countries
It rests on three pillars:
1️⃣ Non-Proliferation
Non-nuclear states agree not to develop nuclear weapons.
2️⃣ Peaceful Use
Countries can use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under IAEA supervision.
3️⃣ Disarmament
Nuclear states must work toward disarmament (Article VI).
Nuclear Weapon States (Recognized)
Only 5:
USA
Russia
UK
France
China
These are countries that tested before 1 January 1967.
Criticism of NPT
Discriminatory:
Legalizes nuclear weapons for 5 states.
Others permanently banned.
No time-bound disarmament.
Nuclear states modernizing arsenals.
India’s Position:
Refuses to sign.
Calls it “nuclear apartheid”.
Supports universal and non-discriminatory disarmament.
(2) Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), 1996
Purpose:
Ban all nuclear explosions anywhere.
It is stronger than the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty.
Mechanism:
Global Monitoring System
Seismic stations
On-site inspections
Problem:
Not yet in force because:
USA has signed but not ratified.
China signed but not ratified.
India, Pakistan, North Korea have not signed.
India’s objection:
No commitment to complete disarmament.
Linked to security concerns (China & Pakistan).
(3) SALT and START Treaties
Between USA and USSR/Russia.
SALT I (1972)
Limited strategic missiles.
Created ABM Treaty.
START I (1991)
Reduced deployed warheads.
New START (2010)
Limits deployed strategic warheads to 1550 each.
Extended till 2026.
Recently weakened due to US–Russia tensions.
These treaties show superpowers can reduce weapons when political will exists.
(4) Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), 2017
First treaty to completely ban:
Development
Possession
Threat of use
Entered into force: 2021
Supported by:
Non-nuclear countries
Civil society groups (ICAN – Nobel Peace Prize 2017)
But:
No nuclear power has joined.
Thus, symbolic but limited impact.
5. Role of Superpowers
Nuclear disarmament largely depends on superpowers because:
USA and Russia hold about 90% of world’s nuclear weapons.
They shape global security policies.
USA
Supports non-proliferation.
Withdrawn from:
ABM Treaty (2002)
INF Treaty (2019)
Modernizing nuclear arsenal.
Russia
Reduced arsenal after Cold War.
Suspended participation in New START.
Increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence.
China
Smaller arsenal but rapidly expanding.
Follows No First Use policy.
Not deeply involved in arms reduction talks.
6. Why Nuclear Disarmament is Difficult?
Security dilemma
Lack of trust
Regional rivalries
Deterrence theory
Strategic advantage politics
Weak enforcement mechanisms
7. Present Global Situation
Around 12,000+ nuclear warheads exist.
Arms control framework weakening.
Geopolitical tensions increasing.
Modernization replacing reduction.
8. Conclusion (For 15–20 Marks Answer)
The UN has created an important legal and moral framework for nuclear disarmament through NPT, CTBT and TPNW. However, real progress depends on the political will of nuclear superpowers.
Without genuine commitment from USA, Russia and China, complete nuclear disarmament remains a distant goal.
The future of global peace depends on strengthening multilateralism and building trust among nuclear states.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968 – Detailed Explanation
1. Introduction and Background
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the most important and widely accepted international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting nuclear disarmament.
It was negotiated in the context of the Cold War nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. By the 1960s, there was a serious fear that many more countries (such as Germany, Japan, Sweden, etc.) might develop nuclear weapons. This situation was referred to as “nuclear proliferation.”
To prevent the uncontrolled spread of nuclear weapons, the NPT was opened for signature in 1968, entered into force in 1970, and was extended indefinitely in 1995.
Today, it has more than 190 member states, making it one of the most widely supported arms control treaties in the world.
However, important countries like India, Pakistan, Israel, and South Sudan are not parties. North Korea joined but withdrew in 2003.
2. Objectives of the NPT
The NPT is based on three fundamental pillars:
I. Non-Proliferation (Articles I & II)
This pillar aims to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
Obligations of Nuclear Weapon States (NWS):
They shall not transfer nuclear weapons or technology to any non-nuclear state.
They shall not assist others in acquiring nuclear weapons.
Obligations of Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS):
They agree not to manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons.
They must accept IAEA safeguards and inspections.
This creates a legal distinction between:
Nuclear Weapon States (NWS)
Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS)
II. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy (Article IV)
The NPT recognizes the right of all countries to:
Develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes
Conduct nuclear research
Access nuclear technology
However:
This must be under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Countries must accept safeguards and inspections.
This pillar tries to balance:
Security concerns + Development rights.
III. Disarmament (Article VI)
Article VI states that:
All parties must pursue negotiations in good faith toward nuclear disarmament and complete disarmament.
However:
It does not specify a time-bound framework.
It does not clearly define steps toward elimination.
This has become the most controversial aspect of the treaty.
3. Recognized Nuclear Weapon States (NWS)
Under Article IX, the treaty recognizes only five nuclear weapon states:
United States
Soviet Union (now Russia)
United Kingdom
France
China
These are states that tested nuclear weapons before 1 January 1967.
This classification permanently divides the world into:
“Legal” nuclear powers
“Non-nuclear” states
This division is the root of much criticism.
4. Safeguards and Role of IAEA
The IAEA (established 1957) plays a central role in implementing the NPT.
Functions:
Inspects nuclear facilities
Monitors uranium enrichment
Verifies peaceful use
Prevents diversion to military purposes
Example:
IAEA inspections in Iran under the JCPOA agreement.
The safeguards system is the enforcement mechanism of the treaty.
5. Achievements of the NPT
Limited the number of nuclear-armed states.
Only 9 countries currently possess nuclear weapons.
Established global non-proliferation norms.
Strengthened IAEA monitoring system.
Promoted peaceful nuclear cooperation.
Many scholars argue that without NPT, 20–30 countries might have developed nuclear weapons.
6. Criticism of the NPT
Despite its success, the NPT faces serious criticism:
1. Discriminatory Nature
The treaty legalizes nuclear weapons for only five states while permanently banning others.
This creates:
Nuclear “haves”
Nuclear “have-nots”
Critics call it a form of nuclear inequality.
2. No Time-Bound Disarmament
Article VI speaks about disarmament but:
Provides no deadline.
No enforcement mechanism.
Nuclear states continue to modernize arsenals.
3. Modernization of Nuclear Weapons
USA, Russia, and China are investing billions in:
Advanced delivery systems
Hypersonic missiles
Tactical nuclear weapons
This contradicts the spirit of disarmament.
4. Weak Enforcement
North Korea withdrew and developed nuclear weapons.
Treaty lacks strong punishment mechanisms.
7. India’s Position on the NPT
India has consistently refused to sign the NPT.
Reasons:
It is discriminatory.
It permanently divides the world.
No credible disarmament commitment by nuclear states.
Security concerns regarding China and Pakistan.
India calls the NPT a form of “Nuclear Apartheid.”
However, India:
Supports universal nuclear disarmament.
Follows No First Use policy.
Maintains responsible nuclear behavior.
Seeks entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
India also proposed:
Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan (1988) for time-bound global disarmament.
8. Contemporary Relevance of NPT
Even today, the NPT remains central to global nuclear governance.
However:
Rising geopolitical tensions
US–Russia rivalry
China’s expansion
Weakening arms control agreements
All challenge the credibility of the treaty.
The future of the NPT depends on:
Genuine commitment of nuclear powers
Progress toward Article VI obligations
Strengthening IAEA safeguards
9. Conclusion
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty represents a historic attempt to control the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. While it has successfully limited horizontal proliferation, it has failed to ensure vertical disarmament among nuclear weapon states.
Its discriminatory structure and absence of time-bound commitments continue to generate criticism, especially from countries like India. Therefore, although the NPT remains the cornerstone of global nuclear governance, its long-term legitimacy depends on moving toward equitable and universal nuclear disarmament.
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