Pillar of international security for over fifty years. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (TNP) is responsible for preventing the development of nuclear weapons, encouraging disarmament and promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy. What exactly does it contain and why is it so important at the global balance ?
The three pillars
Adopted in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, the TNP is based on a balance between three fundamental commitments. First of all, non-proliferation. In other words, the five states officially endowed with nuclear weapons (United States, Russia, China, France and United Kingdom) undertake not to transfer nuclear weapons to other countries.
In parallel, Non -equipped states forbidden to seek to acquire it and must submit their nuclear installations to inspections of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA). This control aims to ensure that civilian nuclear programs are not diverted for military purposes.
Then, disarmament. All TNP signatory undertakes to continue negotiations in good faith to achieve complete nuclear disarmament, under strict and effective international control. This objective, listed in article VI, remains ambitious but symbolic of a long -term collective will to see nuclear weapons disappear.
Finally, The peaceful use of nuclear is the third part of the treaty. The signatory states retain the right to exploit nuclear energy for civil purposes (electricity production, medicine, agriculture, etc.) and undertake to cooperate in this area. This provision meets the need for equity. It is a question of not depriving the countries not endowed with nuclear technology of its profits, as long as it remains supervised.
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A universal but not flawless treaty
With 191 states partiesTNP is one of the most widely ratified international treaties. Only India, Israel, Pakistan and South Sudan are not members. North Korea, which was initially committed, announced its return in 2003. A decision that France, among others, does not recognize.
France, precisely, officially joined the TNP in 1992, although it respected its principles since its creation. Today she is one of her most active defenders. During the 1995 examination conference, she spoke in favor of an indefinite and unconditional extension of the treaty, acted that same year.
Since its creation, the TNP has been regularly examined every five years during international conferences. These conferences make it possible to assess the state of implementation of the treaty and to adjust the priorities. If the Pandemic of COVID-19 has somewhat disturbed this cycle, the process has now returned to a normal rate, with the next deadlines planned for 2026 and 2030.
A fragile balance
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons embodies a delicate compromise. Maintain the status quo to avoid dissemination, while promising a future without nuclear weapons. In a world where geopolitical tensions remain strong, this treaty remains a fundamental diplomatic tool even if some criticize it for devoting a form of inequality between nuclear powers and others.
It does not remain that without the TNP, the proliferation of nuclear weapons would undoubtedly be much more advanced. By posing a clear framework, fixing rules and promoting transparency, the treaty helps to preserve Fragile but essential stability. A world without nuclear weapons remains an ideal that cannot be reached simply by distrust. The non-proliferation treaty traces as best they can, despite the obstacles, the path.
