Effectiveness of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in the maintenance of international peace and security: The case of Iran.

Abstract

This study focuses on the effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty in the maintenance of international peace and security, using Iran as a case study. The Treaty came into force in 1970 and its major aim is to curb nuclear proliferation .The main objectives were to examine and explain the existence of the Treaty with special attention being to examine the Iran nuclear project. The United States and Israel have been at the forefront of demonizing Iran’s nuclear programme. However, Iran a party to the Treaty insists that its program has peaceful intentions. The result has been a protracted dreadlock and animosity. With the use of documentary search and in-depth interviews, the study revealed that suspicion than reality has been the major cause of the stalemate. Findings further indicate that double standards shown by the nuclear powers, especially the United States have hampered the effectiveness of the Treaty. If this blatant discrimination continues there is real danger of a nuclear arms race in the vulnerable Middle East region. The presence of nuclear weapon states outside the Treaty is also a major cause for concern as these weapons may fall into the wrong hands and threaten world security. The Treaty therefore needs to bring these non NPT members to the negotiating table. There is also need for the nuclear powers to adhere to the Treaty and avoid discrimination in its application