Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 06/2012

CNS NPT Monitoring Report - Disarmament

Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova

April 2012

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies

Abstract

The Eighth Review Conference (RevCon) of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) concluded on May 28, 2010 with the adoption by consensus of Conclusions and Recommendations for Follow-on Actions, which contain 64 action items across the three pillars of the NPT: nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. An additional set of recommendations contained in the final document pertains to the implementation of the 1995 Resolution on the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Middle East. While the adoption of the “action plan” was widely and deservedly regarded as a success, its long-term impact will depend on the implementation by the NPT member states. Tracking the implementation of the action plan and assessing progress, however, is not an entirely straightforward task considering the number of action items, the range of activities they cover, challenges associated with obtaining reliable information, and the degree of specialized knowledge required. However, it is important for all NPT member states to have access to information that would allow them to monitor implementation and judge whether progress is or is not being made. With this in mind, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) launched a project tracking the implementation of the 2010 Action Plan and providing regular assessments to all interested parties. This report is the first of such regular assessments and covers the first 22 action items – on nuclear disarmament.