Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
The TPNW aims for total nuclear disarmament by legally prohibiting the development, testing, production, stockpiling, transfer, use, and threat of nuclear weapons.
It was adopted in 2017 and came into force in 2021, spearheaded by UN agencies and NGOs
Unlike the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which focuses on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and does not prohibit their use outright, the TPNW seeks to eliminate nuclear weapons entirely.
As of July 2024, 70 states have ratified the TPNW, and another 27 have signed but not ratified it
Major nuclear powers are not participants, viewing it as ineffective, which has led them to establish themselves as "persistent objectors."
Current Global Scenario Regarding Nuclear Weapons
Current geopolitical tensions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine conflict, North Korea's threats) have reignited concerns over nuclear risks and deterrence strategies.
Some former NATO officials advocate for joining the TPNW, advocating for nuclear weapons to be treated similarly to chemical and biological weapons.
The effectiveness of nuclear deterrence has been questioned, especially after responses to recent conflicts that did not escalate to nuclear exchanges.
India remains outside both the NPT and TPNW, viewing the former as discriminatory.
However, it has not actively undermined the TPNW.
The TPNW could shift norms around nuclear weapons, potentially leading to their stigmatization, but this is a long-term goal and not likely to be achieved quickly.
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