What are the international norms on nuclear non-proliferation?

International norms on nuclear non-proliferation aim to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and their materials. This is primarily accomplished through three international treaties: the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). These treaties are legally binding and have been signed by most of the world’s nuclear-armed states, including the United States. The NPT is the most significant treaty in international law related to nuclear non-proliferation. It bars signatories from developing, testing, or obtaining nuclear weapons and materials. Additionally, it calls for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and for nuclear weapons states to work toward disarmament. The United States was a signatory to the NPT in 1968 and is still a party to it today. The TPNW is the newest treaty related to nuclear non-proliferation, and has been signed by most of the world’s countries. It prohibits the possession, development, or use of any type of nuclear weapons, and requires signatories to work toward disarmament. The United States has not signed the TPNW, but is still committed to reducing its reliance on nuclear weapons. The CTBT bans the testing of nuclear weapons in any form and is an important step toward preventing the further development of nuclear weapons. The United States signed the CTBT in 1996, but it has yet to be ratified by the Senate. International norms on nuclear non-proliferation are an important part of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and materials and to promote peace and security. Washington is committed to upholding these norms, and continues to work with the international community to reduce its reliance on nuclear weapons and to support the ratification of treaties such as the CTBT.

What are the international norms on nuclear non-proliferation?

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