QUESTION | Write notes on the following:

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty | Introduction: 

1. The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is 
   1. to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology,
   2. to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and 
   3. to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. 
2. The Treaty represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States.
3. To further the goal of non-proliferation and as a confidence-building measure between States parties, the Treaty establishes a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

Three Pillars of NPT : The NPT is a multilateral treaty aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons including three elements: (1) non-proliferation, (2) disarmament, and (3) peaceful use of nuclear energy. These elements constitute a “grand bargain” between the five nuclear weapon states and the non-nuclear weapon states.

1. States without nuclear weapons will not acquire them; 2. States with nuclear weapons will pursue disarmament; 3. All states can access nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, under safeguards.

Nuclear & Non-Nuclear Weapon States

(Article IX): The Treaty defines nuclear weapon states (NWS) as those that had manufactured and detonated a nuclear explosive device prior to 1 January 1967. All the other states are therefore considered non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS). The five nuclear weapon states are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Nonproliferation

(Articles I, II, III): 

-Nuclear weapon states are not to transfer to any recipient whatsoever nuclear weapons and not to assist, encourage, or induce any NNWS to manufacture or otherwise acquire them. 

-Non-nuclear weapons states are not to receive nuclear weapons from any transferor, and are not to manufacture or acquire them. NNWS must accept the International atomic energy Agency safeguards on all nuclear materials on their territories or under their control.

(Articles VI): All Parties must pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to the cessation of the nuclear arms race and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.

Peaceful Use (Article IV): The Treaty does not affect the right of state parties to develop, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, provided such activities are in conformity with Articles I and II. All state parties undertake to facilitate, and have a right to participate, in the exchange of equipment, materials, and scientific and technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.