Journal Article

Bonehead Non-Proliferation Redux

Koplow, David A

2025

Overview

Since the publication of my 1993 Fletcher Forum article \"Bonehead Non-Proliferation,\" three vitally important international developments regarding nuclear weapons have materialized. First, the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, an essential linchpin for global security, was extended by its parties in 1995 into a permanent agreement-a tremendous outcome that was not certain when my original article was published. Second, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, globally prohibiting all nuclear explosions, was concluded in 1996-my article focused on the imperative for crafting such an instrument. Third, a group of distinguished senior U.S. government security officials succeeded in reviving the concept of the complete abolition of nuclear weapons, deservedly putting nuclear disarmament back onto the global agenda, most unexpectedly and emphatically. However, none of these three vital developments has come to complete fruition; each has been impeded by recalcitrant political forces in the United States and elsewhere. Indeed, in today's geopolitical milieu, additional important advances in arms control and non-proliferation seem unattainable. Nonetheless, the overwhelming, horrifying nuclear threats, and the supreme importance of abating the dangers for the sake of our species' survival, require reinforced vigor in the pursuit of additional controls.

• Publisher: The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
• Subject: Arms control & disarmament / Bans / Biological & chemical weapons / Explosions / Foreign policy / Geopolitics / International security / Military weapons / Nuclear proliferation / Nuclear tests / Nuclear weapons / Professional baseball / Public officials / Security / Treaties