Non-Nuclear Proliferation with Global Mediators

Logan Fuller
POLS 4300
Term Paper
4/27/12
Non-Nuclear Proliferation with Global Mediators
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or commonly known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is an international treaty with the objective to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. The goal of this paper is to stress the importance of non-nuclear proliferation through the use of a global mediator, the UNSC (used as P5 in this essay), and examine a case study for Iran, in order to prove that there should only be a select few to set the nuclear stage. First, I will examine NPT and its future. Second, I will take a look at the P5 as global mediators as well as examine the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Finally, I will explain why reducing the P5’s nuclear arsenal is bad for them. I will complete the essay using a case study concerning Iran as an example of why unstable regions should not be allowed to harbor nuclear technology without the consent of a global mediator.
Stated earlier, the NPT is a treaty designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. Ever since the NPT Review Conference in 2010, the international community had taken some time to consider what the conference will mean for the future of nuclear disarmament. The international community agreed that nuclear weapons policies and programs and their effect on the future of the NPT needs to be considered, but nuclear states have shown resistance to abide by the guidelines provided by the NPT. If these guidelines are ignored, the international community will lose confidence in the NPT process. This brings us to my first contention.
The future of the NPT is in fragile hands and needs to be reworked. The international community has agreed...