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2005-2006 Topic: Controlling the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
A primary security concern in today’s world is the threat of nuclear weapons proliferation. States beyond the five “original” nuclear weapons-possessing countries (Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States) are seeking to acquire, or have already acquired, nuclear materials, industrial systems to produce plutonium or uranium, and delivery systems, such as missiles and airplanes. Moreover, non-state actors are seeking to acquire nuclear materials and weaponry. What can be done to limit the proliferation of such dangerous weapons?
Despite multilateral and bilateral efforts to control the spread of nuclear weapons, the international community seems to be fighting an uphill battle. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), whose signatories number some 190 countries, is one multilateral mechanism for limiting the development and deployment of such weapons. But the success of the NPT relies on the willingness of states to be transparent and to cooperate with international organizations in verifying that their development of nuclear power is for peaceful purposes.
Other strategies to limit the spread of weapons have included political pressure—including from the UN Security Council—trade embargoes, sanctions, and the use of military force. Despite these methods, the number of states with or seeking nuclear weapons continues to grow. While the recent, apparently voluntary, dismantling of Libya’s nuclear weapons program was a great success, and South Africa, Brazil, and Argentina have all renounced or dismantled nuclear programs, India and Pakistan have joined the nuclear club, and the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran highlight the urgency for more robust non-proliferation efforts.
In addition, attempts by non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, to obtain nuclear weapons raise concerns about the ability of multilateral and bilateral efforts of states to prevent terrorist groups—who are difficult to control or deter—from acquiring nuclear materials or weapons.
Essay
In a 1500-word essay, select two cases in which the international community—through the United Nations, another international organization, or one or more states—attempted to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons. In one of the cases, the non-proliferation effort should be successful; in the other case, unsuccessful. At least one of the cases should be from the post–Cold War period.
- In each case, briefly describe the motivation and effort of either a state or sub-national group to develop a nuclear weapons capability, including the political and military context. Additionally, briefly describe the efforts of the international community to counter or respond to the proliferation efforts. What was each country's or organization’s motivation for cooperating in or subverting the non-proliferation process?
- Based on your analysis, why was the effort at non-proliferation successful or unsuccessful? Are international treaties or negotiations more effective than bilateral efforts?
- Finally, recommend actions that the international community can take to strengthen efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Teaching Guide
A teaching guide on this year's topic is available for download. The teaching guide material can be used at any time, independent of the contest, or can be used to prepare for the contest.
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