Nuclear Ban Treaty Stalls as World Powers Refuse to Disarm

One year after a landmark treaty banning nuclear weapons took effect, the goal of a nuclear-free world appears remote. The treaty has not been signed by any country that actually possesses nuclear arms. These nations, along with their allies, are also struggling to make progress on separate talks aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. This double standstill raises a difficult question: if major powers cannot agree to reduce their stockpiles, how can total abolition ever be achieved? The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons makes the development, testing, and use of such weapons illegal under international law. Over 50 countries have joined it, but they do not include any of the world's nine nuclear-armed states. Advocates continue to promote the treaty, hoping to build political pressure for long-term change. For now, however, the nations with nuclear weapons show no sign of giving them up.