Nuclear-weapon-free zone

Nuclear-weapon-free zone (NWFZ) is a designated region in which the production, acquisition, and deployment of nuclear weapons are prohibited. The concept of NWFZs was first proposed in the United Nations in the context of Cold War tensions, as a means to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

History

The first NWFZ was established in Antarctica by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. This was followed by the Treaty of Tlatelolco in 1967, which established a NWFZ in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since then, several other regions have been declared NWFZs, including the South Pacific (Treaty of Rarotonga, 1985), Southeast Asia (Treaty of Bangkok, 1995), and Africa (Treaty of Pelindaba, 1996).

Characteristics

NWFZs are governed by international treaties, which typically include provisions for verification and enforcement. The treaties also often include positive security assurances from nuclear-weapon states, pledging not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against the parties to the treaty.

Criticisms and Controversies

While NWFZs have been praised for their role in preventing nuclear proliferation, they have also been criticized on several grounds. Some critics argue that they are ineffective in the absence of global disarmament, while others contend that they may actually encourage proliferation by creating a sense of complacency.

See also

• Nuclear disarmament
• Nuclear proliferation
• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons