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RESEARCH REPORT
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC)
COMBATING PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR
WEAPONS
CEYHUN FIRAT & NAZLI KÖYLÜOĞLU
MUNDP 2017 – Commitment to Development – Research Report
Committee: The United Nations Security Council
Agenda Item: Combatting Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Student Officer & Role: Ceyhun Fırat (President of UNSC) & Nazlı Uğur Köylüoğlu
(Deputy President of UNSC)
Basic Overview of the Issue
Nuclear proliferation has been a topic of discussion ever since the dawn of the atomic age.
Although there was much uncertainty as to who would hold such drastic power in the beginning stages
of the discussion, currently there are stricter guidelines that determine the possessors of nuclear
weapons. However, still, there are discrepancies to the general trend in the world and many states who
are legally limited to use nuclear power only for peaceful purposes find ways to obtain nuclear
weapons. Then, the question becomes not “Who should have nuclear weapons?” but “How can the
proliferation of nuclear weapons be prevented?” especially considering the current polarizing trend
within the international politics arena.
Explanation of Important Terms
Weapons of mass destruction
Nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons that can cause indiscriminate death or injury on a
large scale, WMD
Non-proliferation Treaty
An agreement made in 1968 to discourage the spread of nuclear weapons. It has been ratified
by ninety-two countries, but not by all countries with the potential to develop nuclear weapons.
Hydrogen bomb
An immensely powerful bomb whose destructive power comes from the rapid release of
energy during the nuclear fusion of isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), using an atom bomb
as a trigger.
Proliferation
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
Detailed Background of the Issue
The question of proliferation of nuclear weapons would not have existed if it were not for the
history of nuclear arms race. Nuclear weapons first arose as a result of Manhattan Project, an
American effort to produce new weaponry. When President Truman ordered the use of two atomic
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bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the World War II, the
potential power and dangers of nuclear weapons were recognized internationally. Right on the brink of
the Cold War, this caused a nuclear arms race between the United States of America and the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics.
American and Soviet nuclear proliferation
During the early years of proliferation, the nuclear research could mostly be attributed to two
main nuclear states: USA and USSR, and three minor nuclear states: the UK, France, and China. The
US, expanded its research throughout the Cold War, aiming to become a determiner in world politics
through military might. The USSR followed closely behind the US and conducted both research and
espionage in order to catch up to the American military and prove that their military, diplomatic and
scientific power is just as strong. Shortly thereafter, the term “mutually assured destruction” was
coined, referring to the fact in a very short amount of time, both sides had obtained enough nuclear
weapons to assure that if there were to be warm conflict between the Americans and the Soviets, both
sides would be destroyed. To this day, the nuclear weapons owned by these two states exceed the
number of all other nuclear weapons combined.
British, French, and Chinese nuclear proliferation
The United Kingdom was the third state to own a nuclear weapon. It conducted its first nuclear
test in 1952. The British motivation for nuclear proliferation was mostly due to a yearning to remain
as a global power and have an independent deterrent to the USSR. The French tested their first nuclear
weapons eight years after the British, in 1960. Mainly motivated by the Suez Crisis, during which
France was unsupported by the United States, France has maintained a relatively smaller nuclear
proliferation program ever since. China shortly followed France in 1964 with their first nuclear
weapon.
1970s and beyond
The 1970s was a decade of proliferation of states not belonging in the Permanent Five. Firstly,
India secretly started nuclear research after obtaining nuclear reactors seemingly for peaceful reasons
from Canada. Although the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was opened for signature in the 1968,
India was among the few states who had not signed it. Following India, Pakistan became another NonP5 state who owns nuclear weapons in late 1970s to early 1980s. Although the exact dates and
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procedures are kept undisclosed by the Pakistani government, it is known that in 1998, Pakistan
conducted its first nuclear tests and therefore currently it is known for certain that it has nuclear
weapons.
North Korea did sign the NPT in 1985 but withdrew in 2003 after allegations that it was
running a uranium enrichment program. Evidently, it was, and in 2005 North Korea claimed to possess
nuclear weapons, though many were still questioning the validity of this claim. The North Korean
government then announced that they had conducted a nuclear test, which the experts confirm but add
that the test was only partially successful. Following these events, North Korea held two other nuclear
tests in 2009 and 2013, and an H-bomb test in 2016. Currently, it is estimated that they own less than
ten nuclear weapons.
There is also the question of Israel. It is widely believed that Israel, a non-NPT state is the
sixth state in the world to obtain nuclear weaponry; however, this is strongly denied by the Israeli
government. Inspections of Israeli weaponry were not able to clarify definitively that Israel did or did
not have nuclear weapons. It is claimed that Israel had access to French nuclear proliferation efforts
and its products in the 1960s. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Israel probably
possesses around 75-200 nuclear weapons.
The dispute on Iran’s nuclear program should also be considered. It first began when satellite
images revealed two nuclear sites in Iranian soil in 2002. The world responded negatively, since Iran
had signed the NPT. Made more complicated by several inspections by IAEA (International Atomic
Energy Agency), the half-fulfilled cooperation efforts by Iran, and numerous sanctions imposed by
P5+1 (P5 countries + Germany) the dispute has been going on for over ten years, and has only
recently been resolved through a deal with the P5+1 countries. It is uncertain whether the deal will
provide a long-term solution to the issue.
Major Parties Involved
United States of America
The United States has been a supporter of nuclear non-proliferation all the while maintaining
its nuclear arsenal. It is acknowledged as a nuclear state by the NPT, and claims to be reducing its
nuclear arsenal in accordance with the treaty. The US nuclear program is under IAEA inspection;
however, this is to a controversial extent when compared to the thorough examination of non-nuclear-
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weapon states by the IAEA. The US has led the Iran nuclear deal, and currently supports South Korea
amidst the tensions in the Korean peninsula, which is important to consider while taking into account
the recent nuclear tests conducted by North Korea. It is highly probable that the Trump administration
will support the development of the US’s nuclear weapons.
Russia
Russia has inherited an advanced nuclear weaponry program from the USSR upon its collapse,
and has significantly developed their arsenal within the past decade. Although it has ratified the NPT
and is recognized as a nuclear-weapon state by the NPT, Russia has allegedly advanced its nuclear
weapons. Especially in 2016, Russia is claimed to have developed new and highly dangerous nuclear
weapon technology.
United Kingdom
The UK’s nuclear weapons are maintained under the Trident program. The UK, which is also
recognized as a nuclear-weapon state by the NPT, strongly supports non-proliferation and claims to
have reduced their nuclear arsenal significantly since the Cold War.
France
France is also a nuclear-weapon state recognized by the NPT, and carries the goal of ensuring
non-proliferation. The government claims that “France supports the international
organizations responsible for establishing international verification mechanisms, and plays a part in
confidence and security building measures designed to ensure stability and transparency within the
international community.”
China
China is also a nuclear-weapon state recognized by the NPT; however, its development of its
arsenal has been a controversial issue. Currently, China is paying close attention to the Trump
administration’s stance on nuclear non-proliferation before taking a firm position.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
Within the past decade, DPRK has been under the spotlight for nuclear non-proliferation, as it
has withdrawn from the NPT and conducted 5 nuclear tests since 2006. Growing tensions with South
Korea has placed it against the US and its allies, which is an indication of a possible nuclear conflict
threat.
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Iran
In the past, Iran has claimed that its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes, while it was
believed that Iran was developing nuclear weapons. The international community demanded that Iran
halt its uranium enrichment program, while Iran rejected accusations and insisted that its program did
not include the development of weaponry. This has led to sanctions being imposed by the international
community upon the country, which had major impacts. Following the nuclear deal in 2015, Iran’s
nuclear program was placed under IAEA inspection, in order to ensure that there was no weapon
development by Iran. Accepting this deal was a major step on the side of Iran for solving this conflict.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The IAEA, founded on July 29, 1957, promotes the peaceful usage of nuclear energy instead of
the military usage, such as for the purpose of creating nuclear weapons. Its duties include inspecting
countries’ nuclear programs and reporting to the UN General Assembly and Security Council. It
applies safeguards to countries that own or are suspected to own nuclear weapons. Recently, it was
active in pursuing the inspections on Iran’s nuclear program.
Chronology of Important Events
Date
Description of Event
August 1942
Manhattan Project initiated by the US
August 6 and 9, 1945
US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
August 29, 1949
USSR tested its first nuclear bomb
February 13, 1960
France tested its first nuclear weapon
October 16-29, 1962
Cuban Missile Crisis – US discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba
October 16, 1964
China conducted its first nuclear test
February 14, 1967
Latin America became nuclear-free
July 1, 1968
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signed
May 18, 1974
India conducted its first nuclear test
August 6, 1985
South Pacific became nuclear-free
December 15, 1995
Southeast Asia became nuclear-free
April 11, 1996
Africa became nuclear-free
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September 10, 1996
UNGA adopted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT)
October 9, 2006
North Korea conducted its first nuclear test
May 25, 2009
North Korea conducted its second nuclear test
February 12, 2013
North Korea conducted its third nuclear test
October 18, 2015
Iran and P5+1 formally adopt the nuclear deal.
January 29, 2016
Fourth nuclear test by North Korea
September 9, 2016
Fifth and most recent nuclear test by North Korea
Relevant International Documents
•
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 1 July 1968
•
S/PRST/2006/15, 26 March 2006
•
S/RES/1737, 23 December 2006
•
S/RES/1747, 24 March 2007
•
S/RES/2049, 7 June 2013
•
S/RES/2105, 5 June 2013
Past Attempts to Resolve the Issue
In 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, a multilateral treaty, was adopted by the
UN General Assembly, but was not implemented, as some major parties did not ratify it. The Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty is currently implemented; however, it is not ratified by some of the most
crucial actors in the issue. The problem with these attempts for ensuring non-proliferation are that they
have been ineffective because the non-compliers have either not signed or withdrawn agreements that
promote disarmament or ban nuclear tests. The key is to create incentives for these countries to join
the non-proliferation movement, which was lacking in these past attempts.
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Solution Alternatives
•
Transparency is a key element in solving this issue, and the IAEA would prove to be
indispensable for this matter. The IAEA should be objectively inspecting all nuclear activity,
whether it is for peaceful or military purposes, in order to ensure that there are no clandestine
activities. It is crucial, however, not to interfere with national security, as disclosing too much
military information can be risky for a country, especially if it is in rivalry with any other
nuclear weapon possessing states.
•
Devising incentives for countries that are unwilling to participate in the non-proliferation
movement will also prove to be challenging. Sanctions have proved to be effective in the past;
however, the current political situation should also be considered when compromising. For
instance, South Korea and the US could provide an advantage to North Korea in the Korean
peninsula dispute in exchange for a demand about North Korea’s nuclear program. Such tradeoffs could serve as powerful motivations in many disputes with countries that possess nuclear
weapons.
•
Uranium enrichment activities should be closely monitored. It is possible for countries to
display a peaceful purpose, while exercising uranium enrichment to levels where the uranium
cannot be used as a peaceful energy source but as a weapon fuel.
•
Nuclear non-proliferation requires trust between states and simultaneity. While one country
maintains its nuclear arsenal, another would not be willing to reduce its weapons and become
inferior in power compared to the former. Therefore, the current polarizing trend in the world
should be taken into account, and alleviating the tensions should be prioritized. If all countries
strive to develop their nuclear program and become more powerful, this endless competition
will soon pass the point of no return.
Bibliography
"The Baruch Plan." Arms Control, Deterrence and Nuclear Proliferation. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan.
2017. <http://www.atomicarchive.com/Docs/Deterrence/BaruchPlan.shtml>.
"Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of
State, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <https://www.state.gov/t/avc/c42328.htm>.
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"Disarmament and Non-proliferation." Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of
France. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/archives-ne-pasutiliser/archives-2016/french-foreign-policy/disarmament-and-non-proliferation>.
"IAEA Chief: Iran Deal Possible." CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://
edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/03/06/iran.nuclear/index.html>.
"Israel's Nuclear Weapon Capability: An Overview." Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control.
N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/israel/nuke.html>.
"Nuclear Weapons Timeline." ICAN. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/
the-nuclear-age/>.
"Nuclear Weapons: Who Has What at a Glance." Arms Control Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan.
2017. <https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Nuclearweaponswhohaswhat>.
Press, The Associated. "China 'closely Following' Donald Trump Comments on Nuclear Weapons
Policy." OregonLive.com. N.p., 23 Dec. 2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://
www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2016/12/china_closely_following_trump.html>.
"Strong Sign of North Korean Nuclear Test as Regime Calls 6 May Party Congress." The Guardian.
Guardian News and Media, 26 Apr. 2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <https://www.theguardian.com/
world/2016/apr/27/north-korea-confirms-6-may-party-congress-as-nuclear-test-predicted>.
"Timeline: North Korea Nuclear Tests versus United Nations Sanctions." CNN. Cable News Network,
n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/asia/north-korea-nuclear-sanctionstimeline/index.html>.
"Timeline of Nuclear Diplomacy With Iran." Arms Control Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.
<https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheet/Timeline-of-Nuclear-Diplomacy-With-Iran>.
"UK Nuclear Deterrence: What You Need to Know." UK Government. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.
<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-nuclear-deterrence-factsheet/uk-nucleardeterrence-what-you-need-to-know>.
"Why Russia Wants to Keep Its Nukes." Time. Time, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017. <http://time.com/
4280169/russia-nuclear-security-summit/>.
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Useful Links
http://www.nti.org/learn/countries/
Country profiles regarding nuclear policies
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38410027
The newly-elect President of the United States’ claims about the American stance on the issue.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-nuclear-deterrence-factsheet/uk-nuclear-deterrencewhat-you-need-to-know
UK’s stance on nuclear non-proliferation
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11813699
An article on North Korea’s nuclear program.
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2013/03/world/nuclear-weapon-states/
An article outlining who possesses nuclear weapons. Keep in mind this was published in 2013 and is
updated irregularly so it is not very recent; however, it is still useful.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/29/world/nuclear-nations-fast-facts/
Facts about nuclear weapons and their possessors.
http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/the-nuclear-age/
Timeline for the usage of nuclear weapons:
https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheet/Timeline-of-Nuclear-Diplomacy-With-Iran
Timeline of nuclear diplomacy with Iran
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