YDCC: From NATO to NPT and Beyond: Diversifying Debates, Expanding Nuclear Mindsets

The emergence of the Humanitarian Initiative and the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) changed the dynamics and the tone of the nuclear disarmament debate. Nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear weapon states alike should envision a more inclusive and open-minded discussion on the principal drivers of the Humanitarian Initiative rather than focusing on the (in)compatibility between the TPNW and the NP.

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Abstract

The 10th NPT Review Conference in 2022 presents an opportunity to make progress on some of the issues at stake: Nuclear-weapon states should pledge to respect international humanitarian law principles in their nuclear doctrines and operational planning. NPT States Parties and cross-regional groupings, including the Stockholm Initiative and Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament (CEND), should advance the conversation on nuclear risk reduction and consider measures to reduce the dangers posed by nuclear deterrence practices. De-alerting presents an urgent and legitimate interim step pending nuclear disarmament.

Policy recommendations

  • The emergence of the Humanitarian Initiative and the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) changed the dynamics and the tone of the nuclear disarmament debate. A principal incompatibility between approaches to security centered on nuclear deterrence and approaches that view nuclear deterrence practices as an imminent threat to humanity has come to the forefront of nuclear policymaking. States that pursue either approach rushed to the defense of their respective viewpoints, rarely trying to genuinely engage arguments made by the other.
  • NATO allies should embrace alternative pathways so not to forego opportunities to lead nuclear disarmament efforts and to reflect more comprehensively about nuclear policy options. Beyond the Alliance, States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) should envision a more inclusive and open-minded discussion on the principal drivers of the Humanitarian Initiative rather than focusing on the (in)compatibility between the TPNW and the NPT. The NPT Review Conference in 2022 presents an opportunity to make progress on some of the issues at stake: States Parties should acknowledge the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons and nuclear-weapon states should pledge to respect international humanitarian law in their doctrines and operational planning.
  • NPT States Parties and cross-regional initiatives should advance the conversation on nuclear risk reduction and seriously consider meaningful measures to reduce the dangers posed by nuclear deterrence practices. De-alerting presents an urgent and legitimate interim step pending nuclear disarmament.

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