In The News

Iran’s Global Ambitions – Part II

Willem van Kemenade September 15, 2010
Holding the third largest oil reserves in the world, Iran is an attractive trade partner, giving it an edge in the world economy. This YaleGlobal series examines Iran’s big power ambitions and its ability to divide the international community to achieve its goal. As Iran rejects demands to end high level enriching nuclear fuel, the UN Security Council in June approved a fourth round of sanctions...

Power Game in Asia Trips Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Harsh V. Pant August 12, 2010
The aim of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in force since 1970, was to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and eventually eliminate them altogether – even among the original five nuclear nations. The goal has been elusive as other nations seek and succeed in acquiring the technology. While the treaty allows for civilian use of nuclear technology, special deals signed for national...

The Burma-North Korea Axis

Aung Lynn Htut June 18, 2010
Even as the United States faces a multitude of challenges, both domestic and global, a New York Times opinion essay warns that leaders cannot afford to overlook trouble spots like Burma. All problems could look small indeed next to the threat of nuclear weapons in the hands of the junta ruling Burma. The regime is skilled at deceiving foreign watchers, such as long hiding renewed ties with North...

The Breach

Mark Hibbs June 14, 2010
The Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons seeks to prevent the spread of such weapons and ultimately achieve global nuclear disarmament. Only a handful of states have not ratified the treaty, among them historical rivals Pakistan and India, which amassed nuclear arsenals after the international binding agreement came into force. In 2006, a plan was announced allowing the US to sell...

North Korea: Not Waving. Perhaps Drowning

June 4, 2010
Nations bordering North Korea would prefer less isolation, belligerence and unpredictability. But abrupt collapse of the current regime could be equally dangerous. Any loss of control in a nation with such pronounced poverty, as detailed in this article from the Economist, could destabilize South Korea and China, analysts suggest, with refugees pouring over borders, nuclear weapons unsecured, as...

Diplomatic Pressure Narrows Iran’s Nuclear Options

Leonard S. Spector May 25, 2010
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons allows non-nuclear nations to engage in scientific research on using nuclear power for peaceful purposes. States cannot engage in the transfer of nuclear material without safeguards, and non-nuclear states agree to accept safeguards and verification to prevent any diversion from peaceful uses toward weapon programs. The five-year NPT review...

Black Hole on the Black Sea

Sharon Weinberger May 11, 2010
Stray nuclear weapons remain a grave concern for global security, and national leaders cannot afford to overlook any remote corner of the planet. South Ossetia, in northern Georgia, is a “jurisdictional black hole” with minimal border checkpoints, writes Sharon Weinberger for Foreign Policy. Separatist conflicts flare in the region, along with smuggling, corruption and plenty of fraudulent deals...