Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

10 Jun 2025 GS 2 International Relations
    Live Views: Loading...
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Click toview full image


1. What is the NPT?

  • The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is an international treaty aimed at:

    • Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and related technology.

    • Promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

    • Advancing nuclear disarmament and eventual elimination of nuclear arsenals.

2. Timeline & Global Acceptance

  • Negotiated: 1965–1968 by the UN-sponsored Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament (Geneva).

  • Opened for signature: 1968

  • Entered into force: 1970

  • Extended indefinitely: 1995 Review Conference

  • Parties as of 2016: 191 states (most widely adhered to arms control treaty)

3. Key Provisions ("Three Pillars")

Although not explicitly stated in the treaty, NPT is understood to rest on three interlinked pillars:

PillarExplanation
Non-ProliferationNon-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS) will not acquire nuclear weapons.
DisarmamentNuclear-weapon states (NWS) will pursue disarmament in good faith.
Peaceful UseAll parties have the right to access nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

4. Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS) Recognized by NPT

Defined as those who tested nuclear devices before 1 January 1967:

  • U.S. (1945), Russia (1949), U.K. (1952), France (1960), China (1964)

Other nuclear-armed states outside NPT:

  • India, Pakistan, North Korea (withdrew in 2003), Israel (ambiguous stance)

5. Iran and the NPT

  • Iran is an original signatory (1968) and ratified the NPT in 1970.

  • Classified as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State (NNWS):

    • Cannot build nuclear weapons.

    • Must permit IAEA inspections for transparency.

  • Iran asserts its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes under the treaty.

  • The IAEA Additional Protocol and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) controls help monitor compliance and restrict proliferation.

6. Issues and Criticism

  • Disarmament concerns: Authorized NWS still maintain approx. 13,400 warheads.

  • Proliferation risks: Critics say NPT hasn’t stopped some nations from using civilian nuclear programs to develop weapons capability.

  • Inequity: Some argue NPT entrenches nuclear power inequality between NWS and NNWS.

  • Enforcement limitations: UN and IAEA have limited enforcement powers to prevent misuse of nuclear material.

7. Institutional Mechanisms

  • Review Conferences: Held every 5 years to evaluate progress and discuss reforms.

  • Export Controls: Managed through the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

  • Verification Measures: Handled by the IAEA, including enhanced protocols for compliance.



← Back to list