ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the difficulties that have stalemated repeated proposals for the creation of a Nordic nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZ), presents a discussion of the strengths and shortcomings of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, shows the criteria recommended by the United Nations, and examines the creation of a NFZ in the South Pacific. A NWFZ status has been advocated for several regions in the world: Africa, the Balkans, central Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia, South Asia and the South Pacific. The NWFZ concept takes an alternative if complementary approach in trying to create low-tension buffer areas between the nuclear powers. The concept of a Nordic NWFZ has been a recurring theme in Finnish foreign policy because it is a pivotal point in the framework of Finland's security policy. The Treaty of Tlatelolco is important because statesmen build on existing models rather than in a vacuum. The treaty is pioneering and unique, and a precedent for future multilateral treaties establishing NWFZs.
