CHAPTER 8: MANAGING NUCLEAR THREATS: STRUCTURES OF GLOBAL NUCLEAR GOVERNANCE

Nuclear Weapons States (NWS)

Countries that are legally recognized to possess nuclear weapons under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): US, Russia, UK, France, and China.

Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS)

Countries that do not possess nuclear weapons and are signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

An international treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

Obligations of NWS under NPT

NWS must not transfer nuclear weapons to any recipient and assist NNWS in accessing peaceful nuclear energy.

Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA)

An agreement obligating states party to the NPT to declare nuclear material they possess and allows IAEA to verify compliance.

Compellence

A strategy aimed at coercing an opponent into taking a specific action, such as halting nuclear weapons development.

Active Defense

Military measures designed to prevent an attack from succeeding, such as missile defense systems.

Passive Defense

Measures intended to minimize the impact of a nuclear attack after it has occurred, such as bomb shelters.

Deterrence

The practice of discouraging unwanted actions, such as armed attacks, by threatening significant consequences.

Direct Deterrence

Efforts by a state to prevent attacks on its own territory.

Extended Deterrence

Strategies aimed at discouraging attacks on third parties, such as allies or partners.

Nuclear Ban Treaty

A multilateral treaty aimed at prohibiting nuclear weapons, enhancing efforts toward complete nuclear disarmament.

Bilateral Agreements

Nuclear arms control agreements negotiated between two nations, necessitating reciprocal measures.

Multilateral Agreements

Nuclear arms control treaties involving more than two nations, with global implications.

First-Use Policy

A strategy that allows for the first use of nuclear weapons in a conflict, which is a contentious issue among NATO members.

Security Dilemma

A situation in which measures taken by one state to increase its security causes insecurity in others, leading to an arms race.

Permissive Action Links (PALs)

Security devices on nuclear weapons that prevent unauthorized detonation.

Nuclear Deterrent

The capability of a state to deter adversaries from attacking by possessing nuclear weapons.

Missile Defense Systems

Military systems designed to detect and intercept incoming nuclear missiles before they reach their targets.

Peaceful Nuclear Energy

The use of nuclear technology for non-military purposes, including energy production.

UN Security Council

A UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, which can impose sanctions on countries violating treaties.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

An international organization that oversees the use of nuclear energy and promotes peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Verification Mechanisms

Methods employed to ensure compliance with nuclear agreements, including inspections and monitoring.

Unilateral Arms Control

Arms control measures taken independently by one nation, without reciprocal actions required from others.

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and related technology to nations that do not currently possess them.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

A military doctrine that posits that the use of nuclear weapons would result in the total annihilation of both the attacker and defender.