Grading Progress on 13 Steps Toward Nuclear Disarmament

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Other

Grading Progress on 13 Steps Toward Nuclear Disarmament

All NPT states agreed in 2000 to lay out a practical path toward nuclear disarmament – the 13 Steps. While some steps toward disarmament have been taken, much more needs to be done.

By Sharon Squassoni

Published on May 8, 2009

Source: Carnegie Endowment

Grading Progress on 13 Steps Toward Nuclear Disarms North Korea prepares for another nuclear test and Iran continues to install centrifuges to enrich uranium, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) needs shoring up more than ever. Delegates are meeting in New York now to prepare for the next review of the landmark treaty in 2010. A topic that will certainly be on the agenda is the "13 Practical Steps" toward nuclear disarmament.

All NPT states agreed in 2000 to lay out a practical path toward nuclear disarmament—the 13 Steps. Are these still the right steps? How far have we come? Sharon Squassoni assesses the progress of the declared nuclear-weapon states (United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom) on the steps, and recommends measures to breathe new life into the 13 Steps or a similar package.

Recommendations:

The 13 Steps are still the currency of the nuclear bargain, but need updating. New approaches, like Japan's "11 Benchmarks for Global Nuclear Disarmament" deserve attention.
U.S. leadership is critical, but not enough. Other states, nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states, must do their part.
Recent Russian initiatives are helpful, but nuclear weapons deserve less, rather than more emphasis in their security policies.
India, Israel, and Pakistan – all weapon states outside the NPT – must be included in the disarmament dialogue.

About the Author

Sharon Squassoni

Former Senior Associate, Nuclear Policy Program

Squassoni came to Carnegie from the Congressional Research Service. She also served for nine years in the executive branch. Her last position at the State Department was director of Policy Coordination in the Nonproliferation Bureau.

Recent Work

Report
Nuclear Energy: Rebirth or Resuscitation?
- Sharon Squassoni
Article
Venezuela: A Nuclear Profile
- Nima Gerami, Sharon Squassoni

Nuclear Policy Nuclear Energy North America United States East Asia China Caucasus Russia Western Europe United Kingdom France

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.

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