Networked Nonproliferation: Making the NPT Permanent

The Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was extended indefinitely in 1995, despite opposition from many parties. Michal Onderco's book "Networked Nonproliferation" offers a social network theory explanation of how this happened, highlighting the role of key actors like South Africa, Egypt, and the EU. It challenges the traditional understanding of American power in international relations and has implications for understanding a changing global system as the US declines in material power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) faced significant opposition when it came up for extension in 1995. The majority of parties opposed the extension, and experts predicted a limited extension as countries sought alternative means to manage nuclear weapons. However, against all predictions, the treaty was extended indefinitely, and without a vote.

Networked Nonproliferation provides a social network theory explanation of how the NPT was extended, offering new insight into why international treaties succeed or fail. The United States was the primary proponent of the NPT, but even a global superpower cannot achieve its goals through coercion or persuasion alone. Michal Onderco, in his book, draws on unique in-depth interviews and newly declassified documents to analyze the networked power at play. Onderco not only provides the richest account yet of the conference, examining key actors such as South Africa, Egypt, and the EU, but also challenges us to reconsider how we think about American power in international relations.

With Networked Nonproliferation, Onderco offers new insight into multilateral diplomacy in general and nuclear nonproliferation in particular, with consequences for understanding a changing global system as the US, the chief advocate of nonproliferation and a central node in the diplomatic networks around it, declines in material power.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503628922