ABSTRACT
The non-proliferation regime is more than just the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The best policy instrument that one has in non-proliferation is the security guarantee. One has to ask what priorities to give to non-proliferation when other dimensions of security arise. The basis of United States (US) commitment to non-proliferation is that the world in general, individual states, would be less secure if the number of states possessing nuclear weapons were to increase. To effectively deal with proliferation risks, this fact must be as broadly understood and shared as possible. Nuclear power, international nuclear cooperation, and non-proliferation are key components of a responsible, stable, and comprehensible US foreign policy. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act is viewed by many people as somewhat tying the hands of the US government in being able to respond to potential proliferants. The way it has been used makes the United States look obstructionist.
