ABSTRACT
The nuclear nonproliferation regime is a set of policies and political commitments designed since the 1960s to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons and, to the extent possible, roll back weapons programs and pursue disarmament. The dissolution of the Soviet Union has created four states in possession of nuclear weapons, at least two of which have signaled intent to retain weapons status. Former Soviet nuclear weapons are being dismantled; Russia continues spent-fuel re-processing; Japan, India, and perhaps others are amassing plutonium; Pakistan chums out enriched uranium. These activities all create an increasing pool of special nuclear materials which could be sold on the black market or stolen by terrorists. Since 1990, events have shown thatnuclear proliferation remains a threat to world stability and security.
