Viability of Fulfilling the Nuclear-Nonproliferation Treaty in a Post-Cold War World

Abstract

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty has an end goal of complete disarmament. Despite the creation of successful programs - such as Megatons to Megawatts between the United States and Russia - which have aimed at the gradual reduction of surplus nuclear stockpiles, the prospect of the total elimination of nuclear weapons now seems fleeting as it is no longer a bilateral issue between two hegemonic powers, but one that is widespread among states with varying interests. This paper examines why we are struggling to successfully fulfill the NPT by stressing the issues of deterrence, modernization, and noncompliance in our current political climate, which has seen increases in proliferation as opposed to gradual disarmament. I also address potential solutions, such as the creation of an international fuel bank, the use of irreversible safeguards agreements, and a program dedicated to the global recycling nuclear fuel for clean energy rather than using it for further proliferation.