ABSTRACT
Horizontal nuclear proliferation has profound ramifications vis-a-vis the issues of genocide and omnicide. The notion of "sharing the wealth" of nuclear technology and materials in order to prevent horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons is set out in both the Treaty's Preamble as well as in Article IV of the Treaty. The probabilities of progress in regard to controlling or managing horizontal proliferation, let alone halting it, are mixed. In some areas, the chances for progress are good, in others the chances seem dim. The discovery of the Iraqi nuclear program has ostensibly made the international community more aware of the dangers of horizontal nuclear proliferation. The most critical challenge facing humanity vis-a-vis the issue of nuclear weapons proliferation is the development and sustainment of a political will, by both individual nations as well as the international community of nations, to halt the vertical and horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons.
