Global Disarmament And Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

In its attempt to realize the long cherished dream of global disarmament United Nation Security Council has stepped a leap forward by adopting a fresh resolution (Resolution No.1887), which asks every nation to sign Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

But here lies the question; will only signing to the NPT suffice the cause?

To get proper answer of the above raised question we shall have to go through the answer of few other questions. The questions are-What is nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty? What are its objectives? Is it flawless? What is its stand on global disarmament?

Here are the answers. Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, which came into force in 1970 with a time limit of 25 years and later extended for indefinite period, is an agreement between some states, especially the P-5 nations, which restricts spread of nuclear weapon amongst its signatories in particular and to the whole world in general. Its main objectives are (i) imposition of restriction on spread of nuclear technology (ii) promotion of nuclear technology for peaceful purpose, like development of nuclear energy as an alternative to the popular source of energy (iii) to make the world free from the fear of nuclear ravages. The objectives are good and worth praising. But the flaws it possesses not only limit the usage of this treaty in its endeavor to global disarmament but also create a situation of nuclear polarization with ‘Nuclear Haves’ and ‘Nuclear Have Nots’. The first and foremost flawed point of this agreement lies in the method of distinction between Nuclear Weapon State (NWS) and Non Nuclear Weapon State (NNWS). The treaty defines that NWS is such a state which tested its nuclear weapons before 1967 and all the nations which tested their nuclear weapon beyond that year are Non Nuclear Weapon State. Even though all the developing nations, leaving a few, developed and tested their nuclear weapon after that period. In the various articles of this treaty it is also stated that NWSs are able to develop and upgrade their nuclear weapon and technologies, whereas NNWS (read developing nations) can not acquire nuclear technology. They are even prevented from developing nuclear technology for their exceptional security reasons. So, NPT is not only discriminatory in its approach but also latently legitimizing the nuclear weaponry of the developed world.

Another objectionable point about NPT is its irrationality. It does not take into account the compulsion of a country in developing nuclear weapon. Sometimes, unholy nexus of some countries forced another country to add nuclear weapon in its arsenal. For instance, the USA – China – Pakistan nexus of 1960-70s compelled India to test fire its nuclear weapon in 1974.

Now, when it comes to the stand of this treaty on global disarmament it is inconsistent in its objective and its actual intentions. While the preamble of this treaty says about complete disarmament, its specific provision tells us only about nuclear non-proliferation. It does not mention about other lethal weapons which also possess heavy threat to human life.

Hence, from the above discussion it is evident that the flawed Non Proliferation Treaty is not sufficient for complete disarmament. Though, its framers (read developed nations) give the assurance that they will try their levels best to disarm the globe completely. But one cannot afford to be so credulous, especially, in this age of power play when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declined to admit that the axis of world power has been changing.

Therefore, in the epilogue it can be said that the global disarmament is not depends upon signing of NPT by NNWS and thereby bringing some nations within the purview of this treaty. Initiative should be taken at individual level and if required jointly with all good will. Let’s hope that humanity will prevail over any vested interest to save the globe from serious consequences of ‘Third World War’.

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