ABSTRACT
Briefly surveyed in this chapter, first of all, is the extent and nature of the global nuclear arsenal. Measures devised at the UN to contain nuclear spread are then outlined. There follows a description of the steps taken to fashion a non-proliferation treaty culminating in the establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Next, there is discussion of problems that dog progress. Successful regional treaties are mentioned. The five-yearly review conferences from 1970 to 1990 throw light on debatable issues and the possibility of consensus. Finally come the prospects for an auspicious 1995 Review Conference. In May 1995 delegates from 175 UN member-states will converge on Geneva for the final review of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Delegates have reviewed this UN-sponsored treaty every five years since 1970 and this time they will be taking a long, hard look at the track record. Proliferation of nations’ nuclear capabilities has been a fact of contemporary life since 1945. Expressed in terms of the haves and have-nots, this is a problem that will not easily go away.
