Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Question 1

Nuclear weapons

Answer 1

1938 German chemist discovers nuclear fission, 1939 US begins researching military capabilities

Question 2

Treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT)

Answer 2

1968 treaty that Divides states into NWS (had bombs before 1967)–US, UK, France, USSR, China, and NNWS–everyone else.

Three main pillars:
1). Non-Proliferation: NNWS agree not to develop nuclear weapons, NWS agree not to share Nuclear weapons tech.
2). Nuclear Tech: All have inalienable right to peaceful nuclear energy tech, encourages tech sharing.
3). Disarmament: NWS will pursue negotiations in good faith on general and complete disarmament.

Question 3

International Atomic Energy Agency

Answer 3

Monitors and rules set out by the NPT. NNWS must submit to inspection from IAEA, non-compliance may be reported to the UNSC for enforcement.

Question 4

Manhattan Project (Nuclear Weapons history)

Answer 4

R&D initiative that produced the first nuclear weapons. Led by the US with support from UK, Canada (Quebec Agreement), expensive, By 1945 the project figured out how to trigger a chain reaction in Uranium and Plutonium to create the first nuclear bombs.

Question 5

When were Nuclear Weapons used

Answer 5

July 1945, allied forcec prevailed in Europe. Allies issue ultimatum to Japan “surrender or face prompt and utter destruction,” Japan rejects ultimatum, US obtains consent from UK, August 6 bombs Hiroshima, and August 9 bombs Nagasaki