Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

RatifiedMultilateral Treatynuclear-weaponsnon-proliferationdisarmamentarms-control

Date Adopted

1968-07-01

U.S. Ratification

1970-03-05

Summary

The NPT is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. It establishes a bargain: nuclear-weapon states commit to disarmament negotiations, non-nuclear-weapon states commit not to acquire nuclear weapons, and all parties have the right to peaceful nuclear energy. The five recognized nuclear-weapon states (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China) correspond to the UN Security Council permanent members.

Parties

United StatesUnited KingdomFranceRussiaChina191 States Parties

U.S. Implementing Legislation

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as amended)

42 U.S.C. §§ 2011–2297h-13

Provides the legal framework for U.S. nuclear activities, including export controls, safeguards, and cooperation agreements consistent with NPT obligations.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978

22 U.S.C. §§ 3201–3282

Strengthens U.S. nuclear export controls and safeguards requirements, implementing NPT non-proliferation commitments.

Key Cases

Nuclear tests cases at ICJ (New Zealand v. France, Australia v. France, 1974) — Related to NPT obligations and nuclear testing

Related Treaties

Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

1993-01-13 · Ratified

Convention

New START Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty)

2010-04-08 · Ratified

Bilateral Treaty

Treaty on Principles Governing Activities in Outer Space (Outer Space Treaty)

1967-01-27 · Ratified

Multilateral Treaty