A. Firdous¹ , U. Nizamani²

¹Center for International Strategic Studies Islamabad
²Islamabad Policy Research Institute

Abstract:

In a world transiting through a changing global order with ongoing geopolitical realignments and reasserting behavior of certain states, nuclear weapons and delivery system appear to be becoming relevant currency of national and cooperative power by certain states. Citing this influx in security environments, where some states in past undertook demonstration of nuclear capability, while some have threatened to modernize its forces, certain states indicated reserving the prerogative to test further systems. The central significance of security environment and centrality of threat perceptions to develop and test nuclear capabilities, there remains a need to critically analyze the emphasis on science-driven approaches in strengthening efficacy of non-proliferation treaties such as CTBT. This paper also takes a comparative analysis of other treaties, and in understanding the role of scientific and non-scientific factors that rendered those treaties effective. It also takes a look at non-scientific elements that rendered other international non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control treaties effective vis-a-vis others. This paper analyzes strengths of science-driven mechanisms, role of security environment-driven factors that challenge non-proliferation and disarmament treaties along with "taboo" of certain weapon systems which have rendered their use unacceptable. It also examines factors that strengthened and made durable non-proliferation treaties.