The nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) turns 40 on July 1, and the international community will have much to celebrate. Most importantly, the number of nuclear-armed states can still be tallied on the fingers of both hands.
But if the treaty is to age gracefully, states-parties cannot simply take pride in its past accomplishments. Like others in middle age, it will need to be more carefully maintained and monitored to ensure that it keeps pace with changes over time. This is true now more than ever as the treaty is challenged by a host of potential ills, from the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea to the nuclear-weapon states’ failure to fully meet their disarmament commitments.
To offer prescriptions for treating these dangers to the treaty’s health, Arms Control Today asked four highly experienced leaders on nuclear and nonproliferation issues to suggest how the NPT could post 40 more successful years. Their answers follow.