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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · Conflict & Security

Non-proliferation

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

/ˌnɒn prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/nounCommon term

In international relations & diplomacy, non-proliferation means: Efforts to stop the spread of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, and the technology to make them, to states or groups that do not already have them.

In Turkish: silahların yayılmasının önlenmesi, yayılmayı önleme

How it is used

The key treaty is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), opened for signature in 1968 and in force since 1970. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) checks compliance through 'safeguards' and inspections.

Example sentences

  1. Non-proliferation is one of the three pillars of the NPT, together with disarmament and peaceful use.

  2. The conference reviewed progress on nuclear non-proliferation.

  3. Export controls are an important tool of non-proliferation policy.

Common collocations

  • nuclear non-proliferation
  • Non-Proliferation Treaty
  • non-proliferation regime
  • non-proliferation obligations
  • arms controlAgreements and measures between states that limit the number, types, testing or use of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, in order to reduce the risk of war.
  • export controlsGovernment rules that limit, or require licences for, the export of sensitive goods, software and technology, especially items that could have military uses.
  • treatyA formal written agreement between states, or between states and international organisations, that is governed by international law and creates legal obligations.
  • deterrenceThe strategy of preventing an attack by making a possible attacker believe that the costs, such as a strong response, would be greater than any gain.

More terms: Conflict & Security

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