The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

Question 1

4 main reasons why the approach to non-proliferation improved

Answer 1

anti-nuclear activism from environmental and peace groups (Ottawa in 1962, Sweden in 1962, NY City in 1963, and Germany in 1967), proliferation was no longer a national interest, Cuban missile crisis and the LTBT, improved relationships between USA and USSR and concerns for a domino effect of proliferation amongst non-nuclear states

Question 2

Origins of the NPT

Answer 2

1961: Ireland proposed a resolution to the UN regarding limitations on nuclear proliferation, transfer of nuclear info/tech, and assistance of nuclear powers in developing programs of non-nuclear states

Question 3

Response to Ireland

Answer 3

Jan 1964: Pres Lyndon Johnson called for a worldwide treaty, after China’s first test, USA and USSR agreed to take action to prevent he domino effect and began negotiating and drafting the treaty

Question 4

USA proposal

Answer 4

submitted to the UN Disarmament Committee in Aug 1965

Question 5

Soviet proposal

Answer 5

submitted to the Disarmament Committee in Sep 1965

Question 6

NPT

Answer 6

open for signature on Jul 1, 1967 and was signed by USA, USSR, and UK (not by China or F at the time) and came into effect in 1970

Question 7

Main Provisions

Answer 7

1. nuclear states are prohibited from providing assistance, control, and tech for NNS intending to develop non-peaceful nuclear devices 2. NNS are prohibited from seeking or receiving aid from NS to develop a NP 3. NNS are allowed to undertake peaceful nuclear research and development and must respect safeguards 4. all signatories must focus on cessation of nuclear arms race and move towards disarmament 5. all nuclear states must agree to any amendment proposed 6. any signatory state can withdraw in the case of events that threaten its supreme interests

Question 8

Limitations and Criticisms of the NPT

Answer 8

doesn’t promote arms control or complete disarmament as it allowed NS to keep its NWs, no effective implications for violations, doesn’t address what would happen if a NNS starts growing in nuclear strength, division of NS and NNS, vague language regarding how to withdraw, and didn’t lead to abolition