1
Nuclear Weapons Background
Nuclear weapons have played an essential role in foreign policy ever since their
discovery. The topic has created much controversy across the globe. After the first use of
nuclear missiles in WWII when the United States of America bombed Japan, major
countries such as Russia, France, the United Kingdom, China, and the United States of
America were all part of the nuclear proliferation and expansion period that followed.
Even smaller nations including Iran, North and South Korea, Pakistan, and Israel started
to develop their own stock of nuclear weapons, creating tension in international affairs.
Thus began intense negotiation of a treaty that could limit the spread of nuclear weapons
yet guarantee a nuclear deterrent for those powers already possessing nuclear weapons. [1]
What is Nuclear Transparency?
Nuclear transparency is the openness, communication, and accountability of
nuclear use in a country. There are many nations who have constantly denied possession
of nuclear power. This speculation has created a concern in the international community
and has put pressure on the United Nations to act. Many countries have called for states
with a nuclear weapon arsenal to show greater transparency.
There have been many nations under scrutiny for the possession of nuclear
weapons. The list includes: Israel, North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, and many others. Also,
many of the large powers such as the United States of America, Russia, France, United
Kingdom, and China, have been expected to lead the way in nuclear transparency around
the globe.
Indian forces test an 150-km ballistic missile Prahar. [3]
2
What Has Been Done?
Soon after World War II, the United States proposed to the United Nations that an
international agency control all nuclear technology and materials. However, world
leaders could not reach an agreement, opening the doors for other nations to begin
pursuing their own nuclear weapons program.
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty & International Atomic Energy Agency
In 1968, nuclear and nonnuclear nations came together to create the U.N. Nuclear
Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). [1] Nuclear powers agreed to reduce their arsenals and
give nonnuclear signatories access to their nuclear technology. The International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) shoulders the responsibility for ensuring that transfers of nuclear
weapons were done safely and in accordance to the NPT. The IAEA acts as a watchdog
for nuclear technology and the promoter of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy
Agency, Yukiya Amano, at the International Center,
in Vienna, on June 8, 2010. [4]
As of 2009, 187 countries were part of NPT
while countries including India, Israel, and Pakistan
were not. In 2003, North Korea, which had signed
the treaty, withdrew after intelligence data showed
that it was pursuing nuclear weapons. The success of
India, Pakistan, North Korea, and others in pursuing
nuclear capability, and the emergence of
underground weapons markets, has many experts
questioning the effectiveness of nuclear export
controls. Experts say there are nuclear weapons
materials in more than 40 nations. Many assert there
is an urgent need to amend the NPT with additional
IAEA monitoring requirements to combat the spread
of nuclear technology.
Additional Protocol
Instituted in 1993, the Additional Protocol (AP) was created to provide complete
confidence that a given state is not engaging in covert nuclear activities. The AP expands
the IAEA’s authority by allowing inspectors to visit any facility without an appointed
date. This treaty has put great pressure on states such as Iran to declare its transparency
on nuclear power. Because of this, the AP is considered one of the most important
nuclear treaties since 1990. [1]
3
Important States on Nuclear Transparency
Nuclear States Not in NPT
Israel
Israel has continuously maintained ambiguous in regards to its nuclear program.
However, it is an international consensus that Israel does indeed possess a capable
nuclear arsenal. Israel has yet to sign the NPT or most other international nuclear treaties
though it has actively campaigned against the nuclear programs of Middle East states like
Iran and Syria. Israel’s lack of transparency has created tension between itself and other
Arab states. [1]
India
India developed and tested a nuclear weapon in 1974, which it called a peaceful
nuclear explosion. Much to the anger of the international community, India also tested a
nuclear device in 1998. They have not signed the NPT despite many recent calls for
nuclear transparency. [1] India has recently undergone an extensive search for nuclear
materials and has claimed to use the nuclear power to replace coal and oil consumption
and control global warming. However, other nations may believe in a different reason.
Recently, the U.S. pushed for an agreement to allow U.S. companies to build
nuclear power plants and supply fuel for nuclear fuel reactors in India. In return, New
Delhi would allow international inspections and safeguards on its civilian nuclear
program, while refraining from further weapons testing and transferring arms technology
to other countries. Supporters of this decision believe a strong India would counter
China’s strength in the region. However, critics say the deal is counter to U.S.
nonproliferation goals and may prompt China to make similar arrangements with
countries such as Iran. India cannot be a nation that triggers or worsens any possible arms
race in South Asia; therefore, India must make its nuclear plans transparent to the
international community. [2]
Pakistan
Pakistan tested its first nuclear device in 1998 after India tested a nuclear weapon
in the same year. Some experts worry that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could fall into the
hands of the Taliban or other Islamic militants, though the Pakistani government and
military insist their facilities are completely safe and impregnable. [1] The nuclear power
in Pakistan is particularly a concern for its neighbor, India. Specifically, India has called
for greater transparency in China’s nuclear ties with Pakistan.
4
Recent Rogue Nuclear States
North Korea
In 2006, North Korea stunned the world by testing a nuclear weapon
underground—a test recorded by monitoring sites established under the NPT. In 2009,
North Korea launched yet another ballistic missile, causing the Security Council to
condemn this act as a violation of resolutions agreed to after the first nuclear test in 2006.
In addition, North Korea proposed its intention to pursue a uranium enrichment program,
thus posing a threat directed at the United Nations to try to get them to lift sanctions put
on North Korea. However, in another shocking move, North Korea tested a second
nuclear bomb again that same year. These actions have further isolated North Korea as
China and Russia, which have previously helped North Korea through the tough
sanctions, have agreed to new sanctions on North Korea such as boarding North Korean
ships and seizing any weapons material. [2]
Iran
Iran is also widely suspected of harboring nuclear weapons ambitions and
uranium enrichment programs. Iran’s leadership denies plans to build nuclear weapons
and says the uranium enrichment program—operating in defiance of three U.N. Security
Council resolutions—is directed toward the creation of civilian power plants. In the most
recent resolution, UN Security Council 1929 expanded sanctions on Iran for previous
violations and breaches. Also, the UNSC demanded, with support of the European Union
and the United States, that Iran sign the Additional Protocol to announce that it has no
other nuclear facilities not yet declared public or to the IAEA. [1]
Iran recently permitted IAEA inspectors to examine its enrichment facilities and
some experts say that Iran has produced enough enriched uranium to produce a nuclear
weapon. However, there is still disagreement over whether Iran has the technological
know how to actually build a bomb. [2] Iran’s perceived nuclear ambitions have created a
difficult diplomatic situation as many nations across the world are wary of a nuclear Iran.
Rising Threats
Syria
Syria has been greatly influenced by the rise of Iran in the Middle East. Syria has
restricted IAEA inspectors from its nuclear facilities and remains silent when asked about
nuclear technology. They also side with Iran, stating that Iran is justified in building
5
nuclear weapons because of the failure of Nuclear Weapon States to uphold their
agreement on immediate disarmament. [1]
South Korea
Recently, South Korea has shown interest in establishing its own nuclear program.
Although South Korea currently does not possess the materials for creating a viable
weapon, South Korea is looking into the possibility. In 2004, South Korea revealed all of
its sensitive programs to the IAEA when it signed the Additional Protocol. [1] One likely
explanation for South Korea’s nuclear interest is the suspicious and dangerous threat
from its neighbors, North Korea.
“The nuclear and the non-nuclear world”. [5]
6
References
[1] Stanford Model United Nations Background Guide. (2010). Stanford Model United
Nations. http://www.stanford.edu/group/sias/cgi-bin/smunc/wpcontent/uploads/2010/10/SMUNC-2010-SoWL-2015.pdf
[2] Current Issues (Close Up Press, 33rd Ed., 2009-10)
[3] Thapar, Vishal. “India test fires Prahar Missile.” SP’s LandForces. Web.
http://www.spslandforces.net/news/?id=19&h=India-test-fires-Prahar-Missile
[4] “IAEA preps Egypt on first reactor.” Hurriyet Daily News. 16 June 2010. Web.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=iaea-preps-egypt-on-first-reactor
-2010-06-16
[5] “Non-proliferation: Bringing back disarmament.” Center of Security Studies Strategic Trends. Web. http://www.sta.ethz.ch/Strategic-Trends-2011/Strategic
-Trends-2010/Non-proliferation-Bringing-back-disarmament
7