Nuclear Non-Proliferation in a Deadlock

The abolition of nuclear weapons is unlikely in the near future. The number of nuclear powers must be kept as low as possible in order to prevent nuclear wars. A diverse range of ongoing diplomatic initia­tives, including some with Swiss participation, serve this purpose. At the core of these efforts is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). March 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of its entry into force.

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People release paper lanterns on the Motoyasu river facing the gutted Atomic Bomb Dome on theanniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Kyodo/Reuters

Since its entry into force on 5 March 1970, the NPT has established an international norm against the proliferation of nuclear weapons and served as the basis for a comprehensive non-proliferation regime (see text box). Nearly all states have signed on to this treaty. In addition to the non-proliferation norm, the NPT includes a commitment by the parties to the treaty to make good-faith efforts for nuclear disarmament and notes that member states may use nuclear power for peaceful purposes and support each other in doing so.

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