ABSTRACT
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is a manifestation of the frustration of the non-nuclear-weapon states at the very slow rate of nuclear disarmament by the nuclear weapons states and their allies under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Given that public opinion in the allied states is highly in favour of nuclear disarmament and the TPNW and the fragile nature of the NPT, it is time to switch gears. With the entry into force of the TPNW, the international community stands at a crossroads with respect to the future of nuclear weapons. The non-allied non-nuclear weapon states have done their part. It is now up to the allies to put pressure on the nuclear-armed states.
