ABSTRACT
A decades-long debate has been taking place on the question of whether the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the nuclear nonproliferation regime it anchors has been successful. 1 The global treaty approach has been important for setting norms concerning nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles, and the treaties and other elements of the various nonproliferation regimes have been influential in redefining the problem and the manner in which it is perceived. In this context, international interest in strengthening the various global treaty regimes designed to control or eliminate WMD has grown, but the issues have been difficult and the results limited. For example, efforts to improve international safeguards are being undertaken by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA is focusing in particular on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards for NPT parties. While these efforts are widely supported, expectations may be unduly high because of the inherent difficulties of detecting clandestine nuclear facilities and activities. Although all the nonproliferation regimes face similar, albeit clearly not identical, challenges, the debate may ultimately hinge on the fate of the NPT regime.
