Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Issues and Arguments
Abstract
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty would ban all nuclear explosions. It was opened for signature in 1996. As of March 2008, 178 nations had signed it and 144 had ratified. To enter into force, 44 specified nations must ratify it; 35 have done so. The Senate rejected the treaty in 1999; the Bush Administration opposes it. The United States has observed a nuclear test moratorium since 1992. There have been many calls worldwide for the United States and others to ratify the treaty. Many claim that it would promote nuclear nonproliferation; some see it as a step toward nuclear disarmament. To reach a judgment on the treaty, Senators may wish to balance answers to several questions in a net assessment of risks and benefits. Can the United States maintain deterrence without testing? The treaty's supporters hold that U.S. programs can maintain existing, tested weapons without further testing, pointing to 12 annual assessments that these weapons remain safe and reliable, and that they meet any deterrent needs. Opponents maintain that there can be no confidence in existing warheads because many minor modifications will change them from tested versions, so testing is needed to restore confidence. Are monitoring and verification capability sufficient? Supporters hold that advances in monitoring make it hard for an evader to conduct undetected tests. They claim that any such tests would be too small to affect the strategic balance. Opponents see many opportunities for evasion, and believe that clandestine tests by others could put the United States at a serious disadvantage. How might the treaty affect nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament? Supporters claim that the treaty makes technical contributions to nonproliferation, such as limiting weapons programs. Opponents believe that a strong nuclear deterrent is essential for nonproliferation, and that this nation has taken many nonproliferation and disarmament actions that the international community ignores.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA480872
Entities
People
- Jonathan E. Medalia
Organizations
- Library of Congress