Erosion of the nuclear nonproliferation regime in the context of transformation of the world order (the case of Tenth Non-Proliferation Treaty Review conference)

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of the functioning of the nuclear nonproliferation regime in the context of the world order transformation. On August 1–26, 2022, the Tenth Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference ended without the adoption of a final document. Its absence, as well as the general atmosphere at the conference, boosted new discussions about the crisis of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The author examines the nuclear nonproliferation regime through the lens of global power reconfiguration that, among other things, affects the NPT review process. The author explores general trends in the evolution of the nuclear nonproliferation regime since the collapse of the USSR. This allows us to both identify the factors of erosion of the nuclear nonproliferation regime and analyze prospects and risks of the NPT review process. The analysis is largely based on the first-hand material collected by the author during her in-person participation in the Tenth NPT Review Conference as a representative of a Russian nongovernmental organization, specializing in nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament, and global security.