The Role of Non-Nuclear States in Reducing the Nuclear Danger

Abstract

No shortage of policy proposals has prevented the reversal of the nuclear arms race. There are ideas in abundance on agreements that could be negotiated or unilaterally introduced. They include nuclear-free zones, a comprehensive test ban, a freeze on deployment, gradual reductions, various verification and monitoring arrangements, cut-off of production of weapon-grade fissile materials, new regional and global security arrangements, and even the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. The non-nuclear states, whether non-aligned or belonging to the military blocs, have on numerous occasions and in different institutional forums put forward a great variety of policy proposals. The arms race has, however, continued and the 1980s present a stark contrast to the 1960s and the 1970s, with no new arms control treaty so far being concluded.