Nuclear Proliferation

The dissemination of nuclear weapons, nuclear technology and information to nations not recognized as “Nuclear Weapon States” under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Countries opposed to proliferation fear that as more and more countries acquire the technology to develop nuclear weapons, the probability of nuclear warfare will increase. Furthermore, nuclear development may destabilize international or regional relations and violate the national sovereignty of states. For instance, Iran is a party to the NPT, however there are claims that the country is seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction. This could potentially trigger an arms race across the Middle East. North Korea is another example. Although the country has not signed on to the Treaty, there are deep concerns over its military capabilities and nuclear program.