ABSTRACT
From the very first resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 1946, calling for the “elimination from national armaments of atomic weapons”, this chapter gives an overview of attempts by the United Nations to curb the spread of nuclear weapons. It reviews the history of efforts and achievements during the Cold War, examines the developments after the break-up of the Soviet Union, the hopes generated by the vision set out by US President Obama as well as the current deteriorated security situation and the repercussions it has on efforts to promote non-proliferation and disarmament. The chapter looks at the stalemate in various UN bodies and the growing frustration of non-nuclear-weapon states with the “step-by-step approach”. The chapter traces the efforts to force the nuclear disarmament issue by advancing the humanitarian initiative, culminating in the negotiation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The effects of the Treaty on the debate between the nuclear haves and the nuclear have-nots are analyzed, as well as the possible impact on the Non-Proliferation Treaty on the eve of the 2020 Review Conference. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future action.
