An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Emerging Challenges in the 21st Century
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Nuclear proliferation remains one of the most pressing global security challenges in the 21st century. Despite the establishment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament, the global landscape has seen a rise in new nuclear powers and persistent non-compliance by certain states. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of the NPT in addressing nuclear proliferation in the 21st century. The study objectives are; to trace the historical evolution of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the 21st Century, to examine the challenges of nuclear non-proliferation. The study adopted realism and the liberalism theories of international relations. The qualitative methodology was used by critically analyzing the available literature to arrive at a convincing end. The findings of the study were; largely, the NPT has been effective in its mandate despite inherent challenges; the challenges towards fully realization of NPT are: - financial inadequacy, role of major powers, and smuggling/ illegal trade of nuclear materials, technological advancement, and geopolitical rivalries. The study recommends that powerful non-signatory states should be engaged, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. In conclusion, for NPT to succeed there is need of collaborative effort by international community towards its mandate.
Language: English
Topic: Nuclear Issues and Defense
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7078754633
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