ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the purpose, weaknesses, and effectiveness of the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). The Nuclear NPT entered into force in 1970. The NPT provides a forum for public and government-to-govemment exchange on nonproliferation. The NPT is inherently discriminatory in that it allows nuclear-weapons-state parties to retain their weapons while exacting a vow from non-nuclear-weapons states that they will refrain from acquiring them. During the preparations for the 1990 NPT Review Conference, it became clear that less-developed countries no longer focused intently on disarmament by the superpowers. If a nation chooses to acquire nuclear weapons—regardless of whether it is party to the NPT—it may do so with little fear of significant repercussions. The NPT is a legal document by which nations can pledge not to further the spread of nuclear weapons. Nations that refuse to become party to the NPT identify themselves as potential proliferants.
