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Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or the The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as it is also known as, is one of the Major Treaties of the World. It is an international treaty which concerns itself with a very vital issue. It was opened for signature on the 1st of July of the year 1968. It was enforced as a security measure in the interests of all the nations world over. The noble aim of the treaty was to limit the spread and popularization of nuclear weapons.
If we dwell on an Overview of International Agreements and Treaties, we come to understand that a treaty is signed between states and organizations at international levels. These help to protect and secure the security of nations. Treaties and agreements help to check the rise of wide-spread war and all the calamities it brings in its wake. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is one such treaty which came into enforcement. It was a means to prevent countries from going aboard in their possession of nuclear weapons. It was a means to curtail their liberty in the possessing of these weapons which could wreak havoc if not used the right way.
Presently, there are not less than 189 countries which are a party to NPT. Five of the states are already known to have possession over nuclear weapons. These are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the People's Republic of China.
There are about only 4 nations which are not signatories to the NNPT. These are namely countries like India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea. India and Pakistan for that matter do possess nuclear weapons for their protection. They have even tested them. This is common knowledge.
Israel maintained the policy of opacity. It was known to be carrying on a program on nuclear weapons. It is interesting to note that North Korea ratified the treaty in the beginning. It became a party to the treaty in the beginning, however, actually ended up violating it. From here it on, it went on to withdraw completely from the pact. North Korea found that it could not live by the terms of the treaty.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was first proposed by Ireland. The county Finland was one of the first to become a party to the treaty. The countries which were a party to the treaty and had decided on signing it,came to a consensus. This was to extend the treaty on an indefinite basis. This too without any conditions. This was about meeting in New York City on the 11th of May, in the year1995.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty comprises of an all important compulsory preamble. The preamble is followed by 11 significant articles.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty comprises of 3 pillars. These are a message to the nations to adopt the ideals of non- proliferation, disarmament and the right to use nuclear technology. This is the attitude they are expected to adopt in their relations with a foreign country. The NNPT has helped in major way to assure protection to the nations.
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