S. Bidgood¹ , S. Mishra¹

¹James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey, CA, USA

Abstract:

Eight Annex 2 countries must ratify CTBT in order for it to enter into force; five of these are located in regions of the world challenged by longstanding interstate conflicts that are intimately tied to nonproliferation and disarmament efforts. The CTBT’s ratification by these five countries would lay the groundwork for broader regional peace and stability. In spite of strong rationale for ratification, countries in the Middle East (Egypt, Iran, and Israel) and Southern Asia (China, India and Pakistan) are yet to do so. Nevertheless, Treaty ratification is not the only way to support the objectives of the CTBTO. There is room to lay the groundwork and facilitate its entry into force. Therefore, an international group of CTBTO Youth Group members at CNS is exploring interim measures outside of signature or ratification that would still move momentum for the treaty forward. Specifically, the aim of this paper is to examine how hosting IMS stations in the above mentioned countries could advance CTBTO’s objectives. We will use our perspective as scholars from Annex 2 countries to deepen the relevance of our findings. As members of the next generation of nonproliferation experts, we intend to make a unique contribution to this conversation.