Providing security assurances for non-nuclear weapon states

Providing security arrangements for countries without nuclear weapons
Reducing insecurity
Providing security for non-nuclear weapon states

Description

Providing security assurances for non-nuclear weapon states involves formal commitments by nuclear-armed states to refrain from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against countries without such arms. This strategy aims to reduce proliferation incentives, build trust, and enhance global stability by offering legally binding or political guarantees, often through treaties or security agreements. It addresses the specific problem of insecurity among non-nuclear states, thereby supporting non-proliferation and reinforcing international peace and security frameworks.

Context

There is an increasingly urgent need to assure non-nuclear member states effective international security arrangements against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

Implementation

It was reported in 1994, that the UN is searching for a common approach or common formula to provide assurance to non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

In the 1960s, the spread of nuclear weapons was largely checked by U.S. security guarantees, notably to its NATO allies: the famous "nuclear umbrella". The U.S. has already given defense guarantees to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and as soon as it has them, it will deploy theater missile defenses to protect its troops stationed in Japan and South Korea. Those defenses will also cover the host nations' territories.