Accusations about Russian and Chinese nuclear testing in the US Government’s 2020 Compliance Report forces into the open issues that have been simmering for a long time.
The Global Enterprise initiative encourages practical steps and commitments that demonstrate the ability of States to work together to advance the NPT’s nuclear disarmament goals. Many of these actions can be taken now without waiting until the RevCon is rescheduled.
The delay of the Review Conference and disruption of the usual preparatory processes could offer an opportunity and space for a new vision for the conference and review process to emerge.
US engagement in the process looks distinct from that of other members as it’s inextricably linked to its perception of the global security environment.
Beijing has re-started the P5 process after a break in formal conferences in 2017-2018 and has led on the glossary and Bangkok Treaty workstreams.
25 years since the indefinite extension of The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, how can the story of the extension provide hope for the next Review Conference?