| Publication |
2013.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The nuclear nonproliferation regime is a great example of the success of post-war liberal internationalism: despite a spread of potential technological capabilities, only nine countries possess nuclear weapons. The nonproliferation regime has somewhat facilitated international cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy by reducing threats and the risk of proliferation. It has also contributed to the security of states as well as regions by preventing the possession of nuclear weapons of neighboring countries. Under such a relatively stable environment, the post-war liberal international order has assisted the emergence of new powers, such as Japan and Germany, but also provided ground for the rise of a potential strategic rivalry, seen with China.
But now this liberal international order, in particular the nuclear order, is under challenge. While the norm of nonproliferation and the legitimacy of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) have each gained universal support, adherence to the Treaty is not automatic. This simple fact becomes more complicated as the nonproliferation regime faces rather prolonged, unresolved North Korean and Iranian proliferation challenges. If these proliferation problems remain unsolved, and states like Iran and North Korea enjoy the status of being nuclear-armed states, other states might be disincentivized from adhering to the nonproliferation regime.
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