Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones as an Arms Control Measure

Abstract

This dissertation assesses the usefulness of nuclear weapon-free zones as an arms control measure. It seeks to answer the essential question whether nuclear weapon-free zones are worth pursuing as a distinctive regional nuclear arms control measure or whether they should be dropped in favour óf other measures. The main criterion used for the assessment is whether nuclear weapon-free zones contribute to global, regional, or national security. Within this broad rubric, however, the study maintains that the concept of national security is the most compelling criterion, and that states will not proceed with a zone proposal, whatever other merits it may have, unless they are satisfied that it will enhance their national security. The study identifies the nature of the problem, namely, the types, ownership, and deployment of nuclear weapons around the world. It then offers a perspective through which nuclear arms control in general and nuclear weapon-free zones specifically can be approached, involving concepts, characteristics, and principles of zones. The history of the nuclear weapon-free zone proposals is given, as they pertain to the regions involved--Central Europe, Northern Europe, Africa, South Asia, Middle East, Latin America, South Pacific, and Antarctica--including explanatory comment as to why some proposals have progressed and others have not. This is followed by an analysis of the most important issues and problems of zones which must be resolved by legislating states. They are the definition of a nuclear weapon related problems of peaceful nuclear explosion; security assurances to non-nuclear weapon states extended by nuclear powers in a zone agreement; the manner in which maritime law, itself in a state of change, might affect nuclear weapon-free zones; the distinction and relationship between the deployment and transit of nuclear weapons; territorial issues of particular regions that might be relevant to arms control legislation; the verification of a zone; and organizational considerations of maintaining a nuclear weapon-free regime once it is established. The policies of the nuclear powers on these issues are also discussed. Security aspects of nuclear weapon-free zones are given due consideration, for each regional proposal in a general way and then for the South Pacific region specifically. The strategic significance of the South Pacific is assessed, attention is given to the current military presence of the superpowers, and possible trends in this area during the 1980s are identified. Focus is then directed on the general military and political aspects of a South Pacific zone for New Zealand, considering the effect which such a zone might have on its national security. A final section draws propositions and conclusions from the study.