The Nuclear Ban Treaty: A Transformational Reframing of the Global Nuclear Order

The contributors to this book explore the normative reframing brought about by the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (the Ban Treaty), its genesis and negotiation history, and its potential impact on the global nuclear order. They argue that the Ban Treaty represents a significant leap in nuclear disarmament and a rare case study of successful state-civil society partnership in multilateral diplomacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The contributors to this book delve into the profound normative shift brought about by the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (the Ban Treaty), offering a comprehensive exploration of its genesis, negotiation history, and the emerging global nuclear order. Adopted by the United Nations on July 7, 2017, the Ban Treaty entered into force on January 22, 2021, marking a significant milestone in nuclear disarmament. For advocates and supporters, this treaty represents a triumph of morality, as weapons that were once deemed unethical are now officially prohibited. However, critics view it as a grave threat to the stability of the existing global nuclear order, with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty serving as the guiding norm. As the most significant leap in disarmament in half a century and a rare example of successful collaboration between states and civil society in multilateral diplomacy, the Ban Treaty challenges the established order. The book's contributors, comprising esteemed senior scholars, policymakers, and civil society activists, provide invaluable insights into the Ban Treaty. This comprehensive guide is essential for students of nuclear disarmament, arms control, and diplomacy, as well as for policymakers in these fields.

Introduction:
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (the Ban Treaty) is a landmark international agreement that has the potential to shape the future of nuclear disarmament and international security. Adopted by the United Nations on July 7, 2017, the Ban Treaty came into force on January 22, 2021, marking a significant milestone in the global pursuit of nuclear non-proliferation. In this book, we explore the contributions of the book's contributors, who are leading experts on the Ban Treaty, in describing, discussing, and evaluating the normative reframing brought about by this treaty.

Genesis and Negotiation History:
The Ban Treaty emerged from a long and complex process of negotiations, which began in 2009 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the negotiation of a comprehensive nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. This resolution was followed by the adoption of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1968, which remains the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament efforts. The Ban Treaty was negotiated primarily between the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, with the support of the European Union and other member states.

The negotiations were marked by intense diplomatic efforts, with many challenges and obstacles to overcome. One of the key challenges was the differing positions of the negotiating parties on the scope and content of the treaty. While some countries sought to limit the treaty's scope to nuclear weapons, others sought to include other types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Another challenge was the issue of verification, which was seen as critical to ensuring the treaty's effectiveness.

Despite these challenges, the negotiations were successful in reaching a consensus on the final text of the Ban Treaty. The treaty was adopted by a vote of 117 countries in favor, with 5 countries abstaining, and 2 countries voting against. The treaty's entry into force marked a significant milestone in the global pursuit of nuclear disarmament, as it represented the first time that a comprehensive nuclear-weapon-free zone had been established in the Middle East.

Shape of the Emerging Global Nuclear Order:
The Ban Treaty has the potential to shape the emerging global nuclear order in several ways. Firstly, it reinforces the principle of nuclear non-proliferation, which is a fundamental tenet of international law. The treaty prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, possession, or use of nuclear weapons, and it requires states to submit their nuclear weapons programs to comprehensive verification. This will help to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to ensure that states comply with their obligations under international law.

Secondly, the Ban Treaty strengthens the role of the United Nations in nuclear disarmament efforts. The treaty establishes a framework for the United Nations to monitor and enforce compliance with its provisions, and it provides for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. This will help to enhance the United Nations' credibility and legitimacy in nuclear disarmament efforts and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Thirdly, the Ban Treaty has the potential to promote regional and international cooperation in nuclear disarmament efforts. The treaty establishes a framework for states to cooperate in the development, production, acquisition, transfer, possession, or use of nuclear weapons, and it encourages states to work together to address the challenges of nuclear disarmament. This will help to build trust and confidence between states and to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Ban Treaty is a landmark international agreement that has the potential to shape the future of nuclear disarmament and international security. The contributions of the book's contributors in describing, discussing, and evaluating the normative reframing brought about by this treaty are invaluable. The treaty reinforces the principle of nuclear non-proliferation, strengthens the role of the United Nations in nuclear disarmament efforts, and promotes regional and international cooperation in nuclear disarmament efforts. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to support and promote the Ban Treaty and other international agreements that seek to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032130705