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What goals did the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons seek to achieve?
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nuclear weapon
A test of a U.S. thermonuclear weapon (hydrogen bomb) at Enewetak atoll in the Marshall Islands, November 1, 1952.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), concluded in 1968, was established with three primary, interconnected goals to address the global threat of nuclear war:123
- Preventing Proliferation: The treaty seeks to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology to countries that do not already possess them. Under the agreement, non-nuclear states pledge not to acquire or produce military nuclear technology.231
- Promoting Peaceful Nuclear Technology: The NPT aims to ensure that the development of peaceful, civilian nuclear power is not impeded. In exchange for forgoing weapons, non-nuclear states are granted access to nonmilitary nuclear technology, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) providing oversight to ensure these resources are not diverted for military purposes.2314
- Encouraging Global Disarmament: The treaty obligates established nuclear-armed states to make sincere efforts toward nuclear [disarmament].123
While the NPT remains a cornerstone of international security, it has faced significant challenges, including the difficulty of distinguishing between civilian and military nuclear applications and the reluctance of nuclear-armed states to relinquish their deterrent capabilities.12