Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an international treaty aimed at banning all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes. Its primary goal is to promote nuclear disarmament and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Read here to learn more about CTBT.

Russia has revoked the ratification of CTBT adopted by UNGA in 1996. This action puts Russia in the same category as the USA, a signatory that has yet to ratify the agreement.

The move by Russia comes during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, hence raising the significance of the action.

The CTBT was first proposed in 1954, and negotiations began in the 1990s. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes. It comprises a preamble, 17 articles, two annexes, and a Protocol with two annexes.

• Article IV elaborates on the global verification regime to monitor compliance with Treaty provisions. The regime is to comprise a global network of monitoring stations (the International Monitoring System), an International Data Centre in Vienna, a consultation and clarification process, On-site Inspections, and confidence-building measures.

Another important text is the Resolution adopted by the States Signatories on 19 November 1996 establishing the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

• Annex 1 to the Treaty lists States by geographical regions for elections to the Executive Council.
• Annex 2 to the Treaty lists the 44 States that must ratify the Treaty for it to enter into force.
• Protocol Part I describes the functions of the International Monitoring System (IMS) and the International Data Centre (IDC).
• Protocol Part II sets up the procedures for on-site inspections.
• Protocol Part III deals with confidence-building measures.
• Annex 1 to the Protocol lists the facilities comprising the IMS network.
• Annex 2 to the Protocol lists the characterization parameters for IDC standard event screening.

It was opened for signature in 1996 and has been signed by 187 nations, and ratified by 178.

Ratification of CTBT

By Article XIV of the Treaty, it will enter into force after all 44 States listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty have ratified it.

The following Annex-2 States have ratified the treaty:

The following Annex-2 States have not yet ratified the treaty:

Nuclear-Weapon States

The CTBT requires the commitment of all 44 nuclear-capable countries to ratify the treaty for it to enter into force.

Several nuclear-armed states, including the United States, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea, have not ratified the treaty.

1. United States: The United States was the first country to develop and use nuclear weapons during World War II. It conducted nuclear tests during the mid-20th century and maintains a significant nuclear arsenal.
2. Russia: As the successor state to the Soviet Union, Russia inherited the Soviet nuclear arsenal. It is one of the two countries with the largest nuclear arsenals globally.
3. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom developed its nuclear weapons in the 1950s. It maintains a small but powerful nuclear deterrent.
4. France: France conducted its first nuclear test in 1960 and is one of the five recognized nuclear-armed states under the NPT.
5. China: China conducted its first nuclear test in 1964 and is another recognized nuclear-armed state under the NPT.
6. India: India conducted its first successful nuclear tests in 1998, declaring itself a nuclear-armed state. It is not a signatory to the NPT.
7. Pakistan: Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests in 1998, officially declaring itself a nuclear-armed state. It is also not a signatory to the NPT.
8. Israel: Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, although it has not officially confirmed its nuclear arsenal. It is not a signatory to the NPT.
9. North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): North Korea conducted nuclear tests and declared itself a nuclear-armed state in the early 21st century. Its nuclear program has been a source of international concern.

Support and Advocacy

The CTBT has received widespread support from the international community, non-governmental organizations, and disarmament advocates who see it as a critical step toward nuclear disarmament.

Advocates emphasize its role in preventing further nuclear testing and curbing the development of advanced nuclear weapons.

• CTBT is seen as a crucial step toward nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. Compared to more than 2000 nuclear tests between 1945 and 1996, less than a dozen tests have been conducted after its adoption.
• The CTBT acts as a barrier to the further spread of nuclear weapons. If all states ratify and adhere to the treaty, it reduces the incentive for non-nuclear-armed states to seek nuclear weapons and curtails horizontal proliferation.
• A comprehensive ban on nuclear testing contributes to global stability and security. It reduces the likelihood of nuclear arms races and lowers the potential for misunderstandings and miscalculations related to nuclear weapons.
• Nuclear testing, particularly in the atmosphere and underground, has had severe environmental and health consequences. Support for the CTBT often stems from concerns about the human and environmental impacts of nuclear testing.
• The CTBT includes a robust international monitoring and verification system. This system uses seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide detection to detect and confirm nuclear explosions. This verifiability is a key factor in gaining support for the treaty.
• The CTBT hinders advancements in nuclear weapon technology. The prohibition of nuclear testing makes it challenging for states to develop new, more sophisticated nuclear weapons or delivery systems.
• The CTBT reinforces the global norm against nuclear testing. It signals a commitment by the international community to halt nuclear testing permanently and creates a precedent for other disarmament measures.

Challenges

The main challenge to the CTBT is the failure of some key countries, particularly those with nuclear weapons programs, to ratify the treaty. This has prevented its entry into force.

• Additionally, the CTBT faces political and security challenges, as some states remain skeptical about its effectiveness and view it as an impediment to their national security interests.
• North Korea has conducted multiple nuclear tests since the CTBT was opened for signature in 1996. These tests, which violate the spirit of the treaty, have created challenges for achieving its entry into force.
• Geopolitical tensions and disputes among states can hamper the progress of disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, including the CTBT. Tensions and mistrust among nuclear-armed states can impede the treaty’s entry into force.

Conclusion

Efforts continue to encourage the ratification of the CTBT by all Annex 2 countries and to promote its entry into force. The CTBT is seen as an important step in preventing nuclear proliferation and advancing global efforts for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Related posts:

• Nuclear Supply Group (NSG)
• Weapons of Mass destruction
• Partial test ban treaty

-Article by Swathi Satish