George Perkovich
{
"authors": [
"George Perkovich"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
],
"collections": [],
"englishNewsletterAll": "",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "NPP",
"programs": [
"Nuclear Policy",
"South Asia"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Iran",
"Israel",
"South Asia",
"India",
"Pakistan"
],
"topics": [
"Nuclear Policy"
]
}REQUIRED IMAGE
Strengthening non-proliferation rules and norms- the three state problem
Source: United Nations Institue for Disarmament Research
From the beginning, champions of nuclear non-proliferation have envisioned the participation of all states in the system of rules framed by the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). This vision largely has been achieved. Nearly all states adhere more or less fully with the terms of the NPT. Today the main exceptions are North Korea (which was in non-compliance when it abandoned the treaty), Iran (which is not in full compliance with its related obligations), and India, Israel and Pakistan (which have not yet joined).
The latter three states pose unique challenges individually and as a group. India and Pakistan have demonstrated their possession of nuclear weapons and proclaim themselves to be nuclear-weapon states. They now press supporters of the non-proliferation regime to remove technology embargoes applied to them. Israel neither confirms nor denies possession of nuclear weapons. Importantly, unlike India and Pakistan, it does not seek recognition or international prestige from nuclear weapons. Nor do Israeli politicians seek political gains through nuclear posturing.
Still, Israel’s nuclear status causes turmoil within the non-proliferation regime. Although these three states retain the sovereign ‘right’ to possess nuclear weapons, never having signed the NPT, their standing outside the system of non-proliferation obligations and rules undermines global security. Many experts and governments therefore seek ways to bring these three states into a process of strengthening non-proliferation norms and rules.
Click here for full text
About the Author
Japan Chair for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, Senior Fellow
George Perkovich is the Japan Chair for a World Without Nuclear Weapons and a senior fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Nuclear Policy Program. He works primarily on nuclear deterrence, nonproliferation, and disarmament issues, and is leading a study on nuclear signaling in the 21st century.
- How to Assess Nuclear ‘Threats’ in the Twenty-First CenturyPaper
- “A House of Dynamite” Shows Why No Leader Should Have a Nuclear TriggerCommentary
George Perkovich
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- The Gulf Monarchies Are Caught Between Iran’s Desperation and the U.S.’s RecklessnessCommentary
Only collective security can protect fragile economic models.
Andrew Leber
- Europe on Iran: Gone with the WindCommentary
Europe’s reaction to the war in Iran has been disunited and meek, a far cry from its previously leading role in diplomacy with Tehran. To avoid being condemned to the sidelines while escalation continues, Brussels needs to stand up for international law.
Pierre Vimont
- India Signs the Pax Silica—A Counter to Pax Sinica?Commentary
On the last day of the India AI Impact Summit, India signed Pax Silica, a U.S.-led declaration seemingly focused on semiconductors. While India’s accession to the same was not entirely unforeseen, becoming a signatory nation this quickly was not on the cards either.
Konark Bhandari
- What We Know About Drone Use in the Iran WarCommentary
Two experts discuss how drone technology is shaping yet another conflict and what the United States can learn from Ukraine.
Steve Feldstein, Dara Massicot
- Beijing Doesn’t Think Like Washington—and the Iran Conflict Shows WhyCommentary
Arguing that Chinese policy is hung on alliances—with imputations of obligation—misses the point.
Evan A. Feigenbaum