Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: Problems and Prospects

Originally slated for spring 2020, the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons took place from August 1 to 26, 2022. The Conference was meant to have an important symbolic significance due to it being initially scheduled to take place in the same year as the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the NPT and the 25th anniversary of its indefinite extension. As expected, the Review Conference ended without an outcome document, but the states parties came rather close to achieving a consensus. The main obstacle was the wording of the outcome document related to the situation around the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The atmosphere at the Tenth NPT Review Conference was heavy. In addition to ‘chronic’ issues that have plagued the review process for decades, the states parties faced a severe European security crisis fomented by the events in and around Ukraine. The new 2023-2026 NPT review cycle will once again challenge the NPT member states and their resolve to cooperate and work together towards a common goal. Now, more than perhaps ever, it is important to preserve the NPT and the international non-proliferation regime and lay the groundwork for future cooperation that will take place after the current Ukrainian crisis reaches a settlement. It would be highly beneficial if states prepared certain deliverables in advance of the next NPT members meeting. That could include further negotiations on the US-Russia arms control and strategic stability, the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iranian nuclear program and talks on the establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction.