11
May
2012
Études de l'Ifri Proliferation Papers
David SANTORO

Proliferation and Nonproliferation in the Early Twenty-First Century: The Permanent Five Hold the Key to Success Proliferation Papers, No. 42, Spring 2012

Since the early twenty-first century, the international nonproliferation landscape has experienced a shift from relatively steady proliferation schemes to more complex and diverse challenges. New entities are gaining access to nuclear material and among them is a growing number of non-state actors. Some states continue to abuse international norms and rules overtly, while others opt for covert proliferation strategies. 

Proliferation and Nonproliferation in the Early Twenty-First Century : The Permanent Five Hold the Key to Success

More concerning is that sharp divisions have surfaced about nonproliferation policy and how to enforce and strengthen the regime, both among the P-5 states and between them and the members of the Non-Aligned Movement. The nonproliferation regime has thus suffered not only from a crisis of compliance but also from a crisis of legitimacy. In order to respond to these challenges, a new agenda should be implemented. This agenda needs to balance policy effectiveness and legitimacy, placing the P-5 states at the center-stage. The prospects for success, however, are uncertain because it is unclear whether the P-5 states will be able and willing to play this role adequately.

 

Proliferation and Nonproliferation in the Early Twenty-First Century: The Permanent Five Hold the Key to Success
Keywords
Nuclear proliferation nuclear weapons proliferation
ISBN / ISSN: 
978-2-36567-021-0