Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War period. (UPSC CSE Mains 2016 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
Major changes in the international situation since the signing of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) in 1968, and even since the last quinquennial review conference on the treaty in 1990, make the next such conference in 1995 an occasion of particular interest. In addition, this conference must decide on the further duration of the treaty. John Simpson examines the development of the non-proliferation context and concludes that its slow evolution over the years after 1968 has given way to a succession of revolutionary rather than evolutionary changes during the past three years. New proliferation risks, and new challenges to the international consensus underpinning the non-proliferation regime, are identified and discussed.
Post-Cold War Challenges
- The treaty’s existential challenges began in the post-Cold War setting when the attempts by a few State Parties to break-out or gain nuclear latency led to numerous instances of non-compliance, violations and defiance.
- For example, the US alleges Iran of building nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- The NPT’s indefinite extension in 1995, while invoking its irreplaceability, also underlined the inability of states to formulate a stand-alone instrument towards the objective of disarmament, as enshrined in the NPT.
- The emergence of non-state actors with declared intent to access weapons of mass destruction and the detection of a global nuclear black-market, has raised concerns on the limitations of the treaty to address the challenges thrown up by the new strategic milieu.
India’s Stand on NPT
- India is one of the only five countries that either did not sign the NPT or signed but withdrew,thus becoming part of a list that includes Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and South Sudan.
- India always considered the NPT as discriminatoryand had refused to sign it.
- India has opposed the international treaties aimed at non-proliferation since they were selectively applicable to the non-nuclear powers and legitimised the monopoly of the five nuclear weapons powers.
Looking forward
- Rising energy demands have led to a growing number of countries pursuing nuclear energy, and many countries wish to be energy-independent, in order to ensure a sustainable and dependable domestic energy supply. As clean energy, development, and peaceful coexistence are essential for every country.
- Thus, the challenge for the international community will be to reconcile states’ desire for energy independence with their desire to both reduce the intrusiveness of IAEAsafeguards and diminish the possibility of proliferation.
- Also, NNWS welcomesNew START and other initiatives, but is anxious to see more concrete actions on reducing the role of nuclear weapons in national security doctrines, reducing alert levels, increasing transparency, and other steps.
- More regions in the world (preferably comprising NWS) should enter into an arrangement of establishing Nuclear-weapon-free zones.
- Further, Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons is a step in the right direction for nuclear disarmament.
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