Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Disarmament and the Role of NGOs

The VCDNP has continued its outreach work in a virtual format since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. On 20 May 2020, VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova spoke with the members of the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security (Vienna) on the status of nuclear weapons and prospects for nuclear disarmament.

After introducing the VCDNP and describing its contributions to dialogue, analysis, and capacity building in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, Ms. Sokova gave an overview of the historical development of nuclear programmes, current possessors of nuclear weapons and their nuclear arsenals. She also discussed states covered by the extended nuclear deterrence and legal frameworks covering nuclear weapons, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). She emphasised the role that civil society played in framing the discussion on nuclear weapons through the humanitarian impact lenses and in the negotiation and adoption of the TPNW.

Concluding, Ms. Sokova outlined challenges and opportunities for progress on nuclear disarmament. While challenges to nuclear disarmament continue to rise as tensions in the US-Russia and US-China relations continue to grow, arms control treaties are abrogated, and multinational international institutions are being undermined, the post COVID-19 reality might serve as a basis for re-assessment of national and global priorities and putting emphasis on human security rather than military spending, particularly on nuclear arsenals.