TPNW: A Beacon of Hope in Global Nuclear Disarmament
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) stands as a beacon of hope in the global quest for nuclear disarmament. While most nuclear-armed states, including the United States, remain reluctant to join, the treaty offers a platform for meaningful work on verification, universalisation, and victim assistance. Meanwhile, activists and affected communities continue to challenge nuclear deterrence and advocate for abolition.
The TPNW's theory of change is straightforward: 'dismantle, change, build'. This approach acknowledges the entanglement of nuclear weapons in state violence structures and seeks to address these complexities. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) urges the questioning of nuclear-armed states' policies, currently including the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as other NATO members and countries relying on nuclear deterrence.
Ray Acheson highlights the crucial work of various groups challenging nuclear deterrence and advocating for disarmament. TPNW members have critiqued the theory of nuclear deterrence, concluding it's not a sustainable approach to security. Despite none of the nine nuclear-armed states joining the TPNW, supporters remain committed to achieving disarmament through various means.
The UN warns that the world is 'woefully off track' in meeting agreed development goals due to military spending and aid cuts. The TPNW, with its focus on abolition and victim assistance, offers a path forward. Activists, affected communities, and others can help achieve this goal through their continued efforts and advocacy.