Renegotiating the Nuclear Order: A Sociological Approach

Renegotiating the Nuclear Order is a sociological approach to the nuclear order, focusing on the need to renegotiate the order due to the conflict between deterrence and disarmament and the unbalanced distribution of rights and responsibilities between nuclear and nonnuclear states. The study applies the concepts of a relevant social group and a technological frame to the competition between the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The empirical background is the negotiations of North Korea and Iran's nuclear programs. The policy challenges identified are the need to guarantee the credibility of nuclear diplomacy, renegotiate a new balance of rights and obligations, and clarify the relationship between the two treaties.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Nuclear Order: A Sociological Perspective

The nuclear order, shaped by nuclear technology and weapons, demands a renegotiation due to the conflict between deterrence and disarmament and the unequal distribution of rights and responsibilities between nuclear and non-nuclear states. This study employs concepts from the sociology of technology to analyze the current competition between the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The empirical background is provided by the negotiations of North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programs.

The sociotechnical analysis identifies three key policy challenges. Firstly, there is a need to ensure the credibility of nuclear diplomacy in bridging the gap between military and peaceful purposes. Secondly, the rights of non-nuclear states have been undermined over the past 50 years, while nuclear-weapon states have neglected their disarmament obligations. A new balance must be renegotiated. Thirdly, the relationship between the NPT and the TNPW needs clarification. The proposal suggests separating the two into a comprehensive treaty on non-proliferation and a verifiable treaty on prohibiting nuclear weapons.

This book holds significant interest for students of security studies, arms control and disarmament, sociology, STS (Science-Technology-Society) studies, and International Relations. It offers a sociological lens to understand the complexities and dynamics of the nuclear order, contributing to a deeper understanding of global security and international relations.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367612139