Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

The 1968 treaty seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, advance nuclear disarmament, and support peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It entered into force in 1970 and recognizes five nuclear-weapon states.

International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards: Measures used by the International Atomic Energy Agency to verify that nuclear material is not diverted from peaceful activities. Inspections and material accounting help verify states’ treaty obligations.
Partial Test Ban Treaty: The 1963 treaty prohibiting nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. It was an earlier arms-control agreement that helped establish a path toward broader nuclear restraint.
India and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: India’s relationship with the treaty, which it has never joined and whose nuclear-weapon-state distinction it rejects. India demonstrates that a state can develop nuclear weapons outside the treaty’s membership.
Nuclear disarmament: The reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons, including their delivery systems and supporting infrastructure. The treaty commits its parties to pursue negotiations toward disarmament, though progress remains contested.
Nuclear-weapon state: Under the treaty, a state that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device before 1 January 1967. This treaty-defined status applies to five states and shapes their distinct obligations.
Irish Resolution: A 1961 United Nations General Assembly resolution urging states to conclude an agreement preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Ireland’s initiative helped place a non-proliferation treaty on the international agenda.
Pakistan and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Pakistan’s relationship with the treaty, which it has never joined and whose obligations it has not accepted. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal developed outside the treaty’s system of membership and safeguards.
Nuclear-weapon-free zone: A region established by treaty in which nuclear weapons are prohibited and safeguards or verification arrangements may apply. Regional zones extend non-proliferation norms beyond the treaty’s universal membership.
Non-nuclear-weapon state: A state party to the treaty that does not meet its definition of a nuclear-weapon state. These states pledge not to acquire nuclear weapons and accept safeguards on nuclear activities.
Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament: A multilateral disarmament negotiating body established in 1962, with members from NATO and the Warsaw Pact and non-aligned states. Its discussions formed part of the negotiations that produced the treaty.

Linked from 23 pages