Roadblocks to Disarmament in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty System

Abstract For the last five decades, states parties to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) have come together every 5 years at Review Conferences explore how they can advance Treaty’s goals, including pursuit of nuclear disarmament. Despite lengthy negotiations, failed reach a consensus final document as many times succeeded and even when has been agreed it contained few tangible gains for those working towards weapon free world. This state affairs played out again in 2022 NPT’s 10th Conference ended without agreement with decrying weakness disarmament provisions that had under discussion. It common aftermath academics consider contemporary political issues stymied progress. While such studies are important, is also necessary what deeper structural may be play preventing goal from being advanced NPT context. To this end, article identifies analyses three key create difficulties pursuing agenda. First, explores scope content Article VI interpreted by states. Secondly, looks arise commitment achieving outcomes and, thirdly, considers limitations who actually attends contributes Conferences.