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Home / UPSC Editorials / Global Nuclear Disarmament

Global Nuclear Disarmament: Issues, Challenges & More | UPSC Editorials

Last Updated on Sep 30, 2024
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September 26 is observed as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on the official calendar of the United Nations. On this day, the UN emphasizes the urgent need to eliminate nuclear weapons and stockpiles globally. They advocate for a safer world free from the threat of nuclear conflict.

Analysis Based On

Editorial Published in The Hindu on taking stock on global nuclear disarmament.

Topics for Prelims

Nuclear Energy, Strategic Forces Command, Nuclear Missiles of India, General Science

Topics for Mains

India’s Military Doctrine, National Security Strategy, International Relations, Science & Technology

About Global Nuclear Disarmament

Nuclear disarmament has remained a persistent goal of the international organization and entire international community since the dawn of the nuclear age in 1945. However, the situation is different now, as there is emergence of more nuclear states, rapidly changing geopolitical tensions, and recent events such as Russia-Ukraine war and regular nuclear tests by North Korea despite U.S sanctions. 

It is to be noted that the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) advocates for a total ban on nuclear weapons. The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is an opportune moment to reflect on these efforts. Efforts have been made to promote nuclear disarmament despite divisions between nuclear and non-nuclear states.

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Current State of Global Nuclear Disarmament Efforts

The current state of Global Nuclear Disarmament Efforts are as follows:

  • Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or NPT: This treaty was established in 1968. The primary objectives of this treaty is non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear technology. Apart from that, this treaty divides the world into two categories i.e nuclear-weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS). It is important to note that states like India, Pakistan, and Israel, have not signed the NPT.
  • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons or TNPW: This treaty came into force in 2021. This is a legally binding international agreement which aims to prohibit nuclear weapons comprehensively. At present, there are 70 state parties under this treaty. It is interesting to note that nuclear-armed states like India, US, and Russian Federation have not signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

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Other Treaties and Efforts for Global Nuclear Disarmament

Apart from the two key treaties, the international community have launched and formulated other treaties in order to control or prohibit the spread of nuclear weapons such as:

  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty or CTBT: This treaty is signed by 185 countries. However, key states like the US, People’s Republic of China, India, and Pakistan have not ratified it yet and thus the treaty never came into force.
  • New START Treaty: This is a treaty between two arch rivals US and Russia which aimed at reducing strategic nuclear weapons. This treaty is extended till 2026.
  • Nuclear Weapon Free Zones or NWFZs: Latin America and Africa have established Nuclear Weapon Free Zones as a means of promoting disarmament.

Need for Global Nuclear Disarmament

Nuclear weapons are the most destructive weapons ever created. It can cause mass death and destruction which can have long-term effects on multiple issues such as human health,biodiversity and global climate.

As the world is witnessing geopolitical tensions between many nuclear-armed states and increasing risk of nuclear conflict, there might be some consequences that would be catastrophic on a global scale.

Nuclear weapons have adverse effects on the environment. The radiation exposure from nuclear fallout can result in genetic damage, diseases like cancer and other long-term health issues.

Many civil society organizations and NGOs argue that possessing weapons capable of mass destruction is inherently immoral. Many organizations have demanded to establish a global norm against nuclear possession, similar to the bans on chemical and biological weapons.

Challenges in Global Nuclear Disarmament

These are the following challenges related to Global Nuclear Disarmament: 

  • Nuclear Deterrence Doctrine: States like the USA, Russian Federation, India, and Pakistan which are nuclear states, view nuclear weapons as essential to their national security and are used for deterrence.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Bilateral tensions between nuclear states such as India and Pakistan, USA and Russia, and North Korea and the United States make the target of global nuclear disarmament difficult. Possessing nuclear weapons is considered a necessary evil these days.
  • Trust Deficit: Lack of trust among nuclear-armed states hampers the entire global nuclear disarmament efforts. There is a vital need for ensuring transparency mechanisms.

Way Forward

These are the following way forward that can be adopted for implementation of global nuclear disarmament in a proper way:

  • Strengthening Multilateral Frameworks: The current frameworks like the NPT and TPNW, CTBT, NPT etc. should be strengthened. Universalization of initiatives and treaties like the CTBT would also prevent further nuclear testing and promote disarmament.
  • Engagement with Nuclear-Armed States: Dialogue between nuclear-armed states, particularly the Unites States of America, Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China, India and Pakistan, is critical. The confidence-building measures, transparency, and arms reduction talks for better cooperation must be prioritized.
  • Humanitarian Approach: A more focussed approach is required while formulating national security strategy by individual nations so that peace and harmony in the region isn’t disturbed. 

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UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year

Question

2019

What is the significance of the Indo-US Strategic Partnership in the context of global nuclear disarmament?

2018

Critically examine the challenges to India's nuclear policy, especially in the context of India's refusal to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

UPSC Practice Questions

Q1. Critically examine the challenges to India's nuclear policy, especially in the context of India's refusal to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Q2. India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) due to certain reasons. Analyze these reasons and discuss whether India should change its stance.

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