The Future of Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
G. Bunn, Stanford University & J. B. Rhinelander | July 3, 2008
July 1 marked the 40th anniversary of the NPT which provided an opportunity to reexamine its current and future role. ++ Nuclear nonproliferation movement is at a crossroads. ++ It is crucial that the next US president calls for deep cuts in nuclear weapons around the world at the start of his administration in January 2009. ++ He should also appoint a nonproliferation "czar" to help him shape his policy. ++ US should establish a serious dialogue with China on nuclear weapons issues and propose steps for U.S.-Russian cooperation in this matter.
Sun, Jul 6th 2008, 08:36
ilyas m mohsin, ppp, Platinum Contributor (250)
It appears that since Bucharest, the 5 powers appear to have had a single-minded pursuit in denying entry in to their club to new aspirants who have mastered nuclear fission. Cold war provided a good mechanism for furthering the same objective. Reportedly, the West encouraged Israel to make such weapons but without going 'nuclear' publically.
If UN had been able to function as an equitable and independent instituion, as it was proclaimed to be initially, security in the world would have been viable. However, Soviet and US manipulations over the years, generally, undermined the UN. With the demise of the Soviet Union, US policy also changed in the uni-polar world.
9/11 was a great tragedy but the the gung-ho policy adopted by the neo-cons brought UN' image terribly down despite mild protests from Kofi Annan, the-then Secretary General.
The prevailing insecurity appears to be inducing others to master nuclar technonology. All can't be 'rogue regimes' but discrimination infavour of those who committed the original sin would not provide legitimacy to the status quo.