NPT

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an international agreement established to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to advance disarmament. Opened for signature in 1968 and entering into force in 1970, the NPT rests on three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and the right to peaceful nuclear energy. Under the treaty, non-nuclear-weapon states agree not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons and to accept IAEA safeguards to verify peaceful use; nuclear-weapon states pledge to pursue negotiations on disarmament and to cooperate with peaceful nuclear technologies under appropriate controls.

The treaty recognizes five nuclear-weapon states (the P5): the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China. These states are allowed to possess nuclear weapons but are regarded as having special responsibilities under Article VI to pursue disarmament. Other parties commit not to nuclear weapon development and to cooperate in peaceful nuclear cooperation.

As of the early 2020s, the NPT had over 190 states parties. Key non-signatories include India, Pakistan, and Israel, and North Korea withdrew from the treaty in 2003. Iran’s nuclear program has been a central focus of later negotiations and verification efforts.

Issues of governance: the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducts safeguards inspections to verify that nuclear material is not diverted to weapons. The treaty is administered by the United Nations and results are reviewed at Review Conferences held approximately every five years. While the NPT has been credited with helping to prevent widespread proliferation, it faces criticism for creating a two-tier system and for uneven progress on disarmament.

Overall, the NPT remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, shaping national policies and international diplomacy on disarmament, arms control, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.