Nuclearization of South Asia and the Future of Non-Proliferation

Abstract

The global concerns regarding the dangers posed by nuclear proliferation have aggravated since Pakistan and India joined the nuclear club as de-facto members. The NPT was introduced as a cornerstone to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons, however, it has lost is efficacy because of the super powers interests and priorities. Current status of South Asia, where the nuclear conundrum prevails, is the result of fluctuating US Non-Proliferation policy towards the region. However, NPT is the only effective tool available to contain the aspirations of more states to follow the South Asian example. Therefore, international community should device a comprehensive strategy for the imposition of true spirit of NPT both vertically and horizontally. This paper covers three areas concerning nuclear proliferation; the evolution of non-proliferation efforts, the implications of South Asian nuclearization and the future of nonproliferation in the wake of South Asian nuclearization. “I have in mind the spiritual aberration that I call nuclearism, the exaggerated dependence upon, even worship of, nuclear weapons. We embrace the weapons for purpose of safety and security, and seek in them a means of keeping the world going, a form of salvation. Nuclear winter contributes to our imagination by making it clear that the end point of nuclearism is extinction.”1