Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones

Abstract

The idea of establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) in populated parts of the globe was conceived primarily to prevent the emergence of new nuclear-weapon states. Because the incentive to acquire nuclear weapons may emerge from regional considerations, the establishment of such zones could be an asset for the cause of nuclear non-proliferation. Indeed, countries confident that their enemies in the region do not possess nuclear weapons may not be inclined to acquire such weapons themselves. This is why the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) encouraged the creation of NWFZs. However, the zones which have been established have met other postulates as well. In addition to prohibiting the acquisition of nuclear weapons, they proscribed the presence of these weapons in the areas concerned.